Abstract: The invention relates to self-supporting capillary membranes which are longitudinally reinforced by continuous reinforcing fibres incorporated in the wall of the capillary membrane, which fibres extend in the longitudinal direction of the capillary membrane. The capillary membranes according to the invention have an improved ultimate tensile strength and a reduced elongation at break as a result of which capillary rupture caused by flow transverse to the capillary membranes occurs considerably fewer times.

Abstract: Methods are provided in this invention to produce wood-like boards of polyvinylchloride, which are suitable for applications, such as graphic art, construction, furniture, etc. In one of the two embodiments disclosed in this invention, the wood-like polyvinyl chloride boards have smooth surface quality, a density below 0.95 g/cm3, good dimensional stability and strong abrasive resistance. These are produced by hot mixing, cold mixing, extrusion, calibration for quenching and subsequent cutting, to produce solid skin, foamed core products. In the other embodiment, the wood-like polyvinyl chloride boards have embossed surface quality, a density below 1.0 g/cm3, good dimensional stability and surface hardness. These are produced by hot mixing, cold mixing, extrusion and subsequent slow cooling with a roller system to produce embossed products.

Abstract: Structural members for doors and the like can be manufactured from plastic foamed composites containing wood flour by the steps of (1) dry mixing a blend of powders including PVC powder, wood flour, powdered thermal stabilizers, powdered foaming agent and a powdered gelatinization agent, (2) adding the mixed powder to a thermal stirring mixer to obtain a homogeneous dispersion of the several powders (3) transferring the homogeneous dispersion of powders to a cold stirring mixer and stirring at speeds sufficient to avoid agglomeration of the homogeneous dispersion of the several powders and (4) placing the non-agglomerated homogeneous dispersion of the several powders in a feeding hopper of an extrusion machine and extruding shapes for the desired components. The vacuum venting of the extrusion machine can be controlled to achieve components with more desirable surface features. Lubricants can be added to the homogeneous dispersions of the several powders to aid in the extrusion process.

Abstract: Article made of thermoplastic material, which article is rigid and at least partly heat insulating. The article includes a laminate in at least parts of the article. The laminate includes a first and a second layer of solid thermoplastic material (A) and an intermediate layer of expanded thermoplastic material (B) with an average density of 50-800 kg/m3. The thermoplastic materials (A) and (B) are the same or compatible materials. The article is manufactured according to a process comprising the steps a) forming of a solid outer layer, b) manufacturing of an intermediate expanded layer and c) the appendage of functional parts such as reinforcing profiles, guiding profiles, stacking profiles, hinge parts, pockets, label holders, profiles or holes for automatic handling, locking devices or the like.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing wire from a conductor and a supply of thermoplastic insulating material. The method involves heating the insulating material, adding pressurized gas to the material, and extruding a sheath of the insulating material about the conductor to generate bubbles of the gas in the sheath. The method may operate by limiting the temperature of the material prior to extrusion, to increase viscosity to limit bubble expansion, and may provide a significant pressure drop on extrusion by limiting the gap between a wire-supplying guide and the extrusion die.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming an article comprising closed-cell microfoam from thermoplastic, wherein at least one molten thermoplastic comprising a foaming agent is subjected under pressure to a forming operation and, after the pressure has been at least partially released is cooled, wherein the amount of foaming agent is substantially identical to the amount corresponding to that quantity of gas released by the foaming agent which is comprised by a close-packed structure of the foam cells having a specific foam-cell diameter, substantially uniform throughout the foam, at the pressure prevailing during cool-down.

Abstract: A conductive quasi-solution useful for making a homogeneously conductive single-phase polyurethane, comprising a transition metal salt, a carrier solution, and a dispersing agent, wherein said conductive quasi-solution has a transition metal salt concentration between 10 and 30% by weight, and methods of making thermoset and thermoplastic polyurethane polymers therewith.

Abstract: An automotive headliner assembly includes a substrate that is configured to mount to a vehicle in a position generally covering a lower surface of a passenger compartment roof. Cavities are formed into the substrate between the upper substrate surface and the lower substrate surface to provide receptacles for electrical wiring, fiber optic cabling, EA foam and the like or to form a duct for directing air flow. Each of the cavities is integrally formed in the substrate. A foam layer is adhered to a lower surface of the substrate and the decorative cover is adhered to a lower surface of the foam layer. The headliner is constructed by first extruding molten parison into a blow mold shaped to complement the desired exterior contours of the headliner substrate to be formed. The cavities are then formed in the molten parison by inserting at least one blow pin into the parison and injecting pressurized gas.

Abstract: The invention described herein consists of an expanded PTFE (ePTFE) material that contains a novel fibril and node structure that exhibits a pore size distribution of two or more distinct pore sizes. The pore size distribution of small pores inter-spaced with larger pores to create a mosaic pore structure is advantageous as a blood-contacting surface and renders the invention a very useful and advantageous vascular graft.

Abstract: A method of preparing a poly(arylene ether) includes oxidatively polymerizing a monohydric phenol in solution, concentrating the solution by removing a portion of the solvent to form a concentrated solution having a cloud point, Tcloud, and combining the concentrated solution with an anti-solvent to precipitate the poly (arylene ether), wherein the concentrated solution has a temperature of at least about (Tcloud−10° C.) immediately before it is combined with the anti-solvent. The method reduces the formation of undesirably fine particles in the product poly(arylene ether).

Abstract: Article of manufacture comprising (i) a sheet of a foamed mixture of starch and at least one of, a polyhydroxy ether, a poly(hydroxy amino ether), a poly(hydroxy ether sulfonamide), a poly(hydroxy ether sulfide), a poly(hydroxy amide ether), or polyvinyl alcohol and (ii) a barrier layer. Specifically, a beverage cup or ice chest with foamed starch/polymer core layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a foamed resin article, the process comprising: a step (the first step) of impregnating any one crystalline thermoplastic resin or resin composition containing, as an elementary ingredient, a crystalline thermoplastic resin selected from a certain group, under an elevated pressure which is not lower than the critical pressure of a substance with which the selected crystalline thermoplastic resin or resin composition is to be impregnated, with a fluid of the substance, and a step (the second step) of releasing the resin or resin composition impregnated with the substance from the foregoing pressurized condition in a period of less than 10 seconds.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method for inducing nucleation in a polymer by subjecting the polymer containing dissolved gas to an external stress generated, for example, by applying hydrostatic or mechanical pressure. The applied stress restricts the bubble growth so that the foamed materials have small cells and high cell density. Such microcellular foams can be produced over a wide low temperature range, i.e. from the temperature at which the polymer is conditioned with the blowing agent up to about the glass transition temperature of the polymer-blowing agent system. Stress induced nucleation can also be conducted at higher temperatures i.e. up to about the Tg of the neat polymer, leading to foams with larger cells. A variety of homogeneous and heterogeneous foams can be produced by this technique.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of very low molecular weight polyphenylene ether resin, typically within the intrinsic viscosity range of about 0.08 dl/g to about 0.16 dl/g as measured in chloroform at 25° C. The method preferably comprises 2,6-dimethylphenol as a monovalent phenol species.

Abstract: A method using a two part process line is proposed for manufacturing foams from polymers or polymer mixtures useful for making molded bodies. The process line is divided into at least one first part and one second part. The polymer or polymer mixture is melted in the first part and a gas at a pressure increased relative to the melt pressure is added with the influence of a shearing and/or kneading device on the melted polymer or polymer mixture enriched with gas. In the second part of the process line, foam is formed from the gas-enriched polymer or polymer mixture at a higher pressure than the pressure in the first part of the process line. Membranes can be made from the molded bodies made by the method described above.

Abstract: Improved polymer blends, and polymer blend membranes having improved mechanical properties are provided by alteration of the critical solution temperature of the polymer blend spinning solution through the incorporation of organic or inorganic complexing agents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a three layers co-extrusion biaxially oriented polypropylene (hereinafter as BOPP) synthetic paper and transparent film for in-mold label. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for producing a three layers biaxially oriented PP synthetic paper by means of three layers co-extrusion wherein three different PP resin compositions are separately extruded by one primary and two secondary extruders first, and then are co-flowed by a same T-die to form a three layers coating sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing methylene urea polymers using urea, a formaldehyde product and a reactant, such as an acid. Urea is introduced into a multi-screw extruder together with the formaldehyde product. In the extruder the products are mixed, compressed, heated and melted to a flowable mixture. A reactant, such as an acid is added to the melted mixture, thereby forming a mass having methylene urea polymers. The mass is extruded afterwards.

Abstract: At least one container is disposed in contact with at least one mandrel to cause a thermoplastic polymeric film on the container to foam and become a heat insulative layer. The mandrel is heatable to a predetermined temperature and the container is in direct contact therewith or disposed thereon for a predetermined period of time, to thereby cause the foamable material on the container to foam. A method of making a web of heat insulative nonwoven material includes providing a web of nonwoven material, applying a layer of thermoplastic polymeric material to a first surface of the web to form a web laminate, placing the web laminate in contact with a heated surface, heating the web laminate and thereby expanding the layer of thermoplastic material with moisture that is vaporized from the nonwoven material. The web laminate may then be fabricated to form a container or a portion of a container.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement of a process for producing a three layers co-extrusion biaxially polypropylene(BOPP) synthetic paper of thickness 25˜250 &mgr;m which is menufactured by using three single screw extruders By means of an improvement of a process for producing a three layers co-extrusion biaxially polypropylene(hereinafter as BOPP) synthetic paper of thickness 25˜250 &mgr;m. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for producing a three layers BOPP synthetic paper by means of three layers co-extrusion wherein two different PP resin compositions are separately extruded by one primary single screw extruder with venting device and two secondary single screw extruders with venting device first, and then are co-flowed by a same T-die to form a three layers coating sheet, and through cooling, biaxial orientation, corona treatment and winding to form a three layers co-extrusion synthetic paper of thickness 25˜250 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a 3-layer co-extruded biaxially polypropylene (hereinafter as BOPP) synthetic paper of thickness 25-250 &mgr;m. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for producing a 3-layer biaxially-oriented PP synthetic paper by means of 3-layer co-extrusion wherein two different PP resin compositions are separately extruded by one primary and two secondary extruders first, and then are co-flowed by a same T-die to form a three layers coating sheet, and through cooling, biaxial orientation, corona treatment and winding to form a 3-layer co-extrusion synthetic paper of thickness 25-250 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An extrusion product or profile is formed by extrusion of a cellular compound to form a base and then subsequent extrusion of a non-cellular compound to form an attached flexible strip. The final product or profile is used as a garage door weatherstrip in which the cellular base is mounted against the door jamb and the strip of flexible non-cellular material extends out from the cellular base to prevent the flow of air through openings between doors and adjacent jambs or frames.

Abstract: A continuous process is used to make concrete building products with an expanded polystyrene core. The expanded polystyrene is fed into the inlet of an elongated guiding channel which has a longitudinally split mold. The expanded polystyrene is guided along the guiding channel without any means for pulling the expanded polystyrene. Concrete is then pumped into the split mold first through an first aperture in a first mold section of the split mold and then through another aperture, in a second mold section of the split mold, so that the concrete is coated on at least two opposing sides of the expanded polystyrene.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods, and articles useful in the production of foams, and, in particular microcellular foams. The systems include a restriction element that reduces the backflow of polymer melt in an extruder while polymeric material is injected into a mold or ejected from a die. The restriction element is positioned upstream of a blowing agent injection port to maintain the solution of polymer and blowing agent in the extruder above a minimum pressure throughout an injection or ejection cycle, and preferably above the critical pressure required for the maintenance of a single-phase solution of polymer and blowing agent. The systems can be used in injection molding, blow molding, or in any other processing techniques that include injection or ejection cycles. In some embodiments, the systems utilize reciprocating screws for injection or ejection.

Abstract: A foamed polyethylene product has an outer sheath of non-foamed polyethylene fused to an underlying foamed body portion. Preferably, the product is produced in an in-line method when the foam body is extruded and subsequently the skin is extruded directly on the body portion. This process only causes limited thermal degradation of an outer layer of the body portion which improves adhesion of the skin to the body portion.

Abstract: It has been discovered that the presence of an antioxidant in a closure or stopper, particularly in a synthetic closure or stopper, used to seal liquid products in a container causes excessive extraction forces to be required to remove the closure/stopper from the container. In particular, in sealing wine in a wine bottle, wherein the closure/stopper remains in the bottle for extended periods of time, the presence of the antioxidant causes increased extraction forces to be required. In accordance with the present invention, by reducing and controlling the amount of antioxidant employed in forming the closure/stopper, excessive extraction forces are controlled and remain at normal levels.

Abstract: A process for making a macrocellular acoustic foam is disclosed in which a foamable gel made of a blowing agent and a polymeric resin composition is subjected to an extrusion process at a die pressure greater than the prefoaming critical die pressure but less than or equal to four times that of said prefoaming critical die pressure and macrocellular foams obtainable by that process are also disclosed which are made of:

Abstract: A method of producing a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material including the steps of extruding a first material to form a first extrudate, and extruding a second PTFE material to form a second extrudate, wherein the first PTFE material is more expandable than the second PTFE material. A stack is formed from at least one layer of the first extrudate and at least one layer of the second extrudate, and the stack is expanded and sintered to form the article.

Abstract: A tapered stepped land having a choked funnel section which terminates in a lateral longitudinal section results in the formation of a foamed extrudate of a vulcanized blend of polyolefin and rubber which is a mass of closed cells having a specific gravity in the range from about 0.1 to 0.5 and the cells are sheathed in a dense non-porous, smoothly continuous skin which is formed integrally with the extrudate. The dense skin makes it possible to deposit a thin slip-coating of a low friction material longitudinally upon a chosen portion of the surface. An extruded weatherseal for the glass of an automobile's window has the slip-coating deposited as a thin film on a contacting strip of a surface which is in contact with the glass.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing polyurethane foam, comprising bringing together under pressure one or more foam components and a gaseous CO2 auxiliary blowing agent and discharging the combination through a permeable discharge head in the form of plural individual wire meshes sintered together to form at least one composite element having a structure such as to require repeated division, divergence and convergence of flow paths and impingement of the individual flows with the sintered wire mesh and the flows through adjacent pores in three dimensions within its axial thickness, and at which the pressure is reduced for forming a froth, wherein the combination of the foam components and gaseous CO2 is arranged to be in a non-homogeneous state containing gas bubbles prior to passage through the discharge head.

Abstract: New cross-linked polymeric foam compositions, and methods for making the same, are provided. The new compositions utilize novel cross-linked polyolefin copolymers and show improvements in strength, toughness, flexibility, heat resistance and heat-sealing temperature ranges as compared to conventional low density polyethylene compositions. The new compositions also show processing improvements over linear low density polyethylene. The novel polyolefins, which are essentially linear, comprise ethylene polymerized with at least one alpha-unsaturated C3 to C20 olefinic comonomer, and optionally at least one C3 to C20 polyene, and exhibit, in an uncross-linked sense, a resin density in the range of about 0.86 g/cm3 to about 0.96 g/cm3, a melt index in the range of about 0.5 dg/min to about 100 dg/min, a molecular weight distribution in the range of from about 1.5 to about 3.5, and a composition distribution breadth index greater than about 45 percent.

Abstract: A foamed polyethylene product has an outer sheath of non-foamed polyethylene fused to an underlying foamed body portion. Preferably, the product is produced in an in-line method when the foam body is extruded and subsequently the skin is extruded directly on the body portion. This process only causes limited thermal degradation of an outer layer of the body portion which improves adhesion of the skin to the body portion.

Abstract: An automobile trim has a trim body (a base layer) formed of a rubber composition and having a design surface, a decorating layer formed of a thermoplastic elastomer composition and thermally bonded integrally with the design surface of the trim body. A thermal bonding layer is formed of a thermoplastic resin composition and interposed between the decorating layer and the trim body so that the decorating layer is thermally bonded integrally with the trim body through the thermal bonding layer. The thermal bonding layer has a thickness to an extent not to prevent bending flexibility when the trim is attached to a vehicle body. In another example, a cushion layer is laminated on the trim body and formed of sponge rubber of EPDM, a decorating layer is laminated on the cushion layer and formed by foaming olefin thermoplastic elastomer, and an olefin bonding layer for bonding the cushion layer and the decorating layer.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a first body part with a seal support flange thereon that supports a unitary seal construction having a flexible bulb seal portion engageable with second vehicle body part including a hood or other vehicle body part for sealing against leakage between the first and second vehicle body parts and an integrally formed base portion and wherein the flexible bulb seal is hollow and is formed of a soft low density thermoplastic foam and the integrally formed base portion is integrally extruded with the flexible bulb seal and is formed solely from polymeric material having spaced walls defining a recess for fitting the unitary seal construction in place on the support flange.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fully continuous process for shaping a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) with a polymerizable continuous phase into dry foam, comprising 1) providing a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) comprising (a) at least 70 percent by volume of an eternal phase comprising one or more polymerizable monomer; (b) a surfactant in an amount effective to produce a high internal phase emulsion; and (c) an internal phase; 20 depositing the emulsion onto a lower moving support substrate; 3) leveling the emulsion to a desired thickness above the support substrate; 4) polymerizing the monomers by running the emulsion and the lower moving support substrate through a heating zone for a time sufficient to polymerize at least 75% of the monomer in the HIPE by the end of the heating zone; and 5) drying the polymerized HIPE in a drying zone for a time sufficient to produce a foam having greater than 50% of the internal phase removed.

Abstract: A moldable silicone rubber sponge composition comprising (A) 100 weight parts silicone rubber base compound with a Williams plasticity at 25° C. of 50 to 600 comprising (a) 100 weight parts diorganopolysiloxane gum that contains at least 2 alkenyl groups in each molecule and (b) 1 to 120 weight parts wet-process silica, (B) 0.01 to 50 weight parts hollow gas-containing thermoplastic resin powder, and (C) curing agent in an amount sufficient to effect curing of the composition. The invention is further a silicone rubber sponge afforded by the thermosetting of the above-defined moldable silicone rubber sponge composition and a method for producing the silicone rubber sponge.

Abstract: A plasticizable raw material mixture for use in preparing a substrate having cordierite as its primary phase with the mixture comprised of a chemical composition, percent by weight, of 11 to 17% MgO, 33 to 41% Al2O3 and, 46 to 53% SiO2. The raw material mixture specifically comprises the following: (1) one source of Al2O3 and SiO2 comprising a clay mixture having less than about 22%, by weight based on the total raw materials in the plasticizable mixture, of calcined clay; (2) an alumina yielding precursor comprising alumina having an average particle diameter of about 1 &mgr;m or less; and, (3) at least one source of magnesia having an average particle diameter of between about 3 to 15 microns.

Abstract: Semi-crystalline microcellular foams that include a midlevel amount of nucleating agent, and methods of their production, are provided. The microcellular foams can be produced in typical polymer processing techniques such as extrusion, injection molding and blow molding. The foams exhibit excellent mechanical properties and can be formed over a broad range of density into a number of different foam articles.

Abstract: Continuous polymeric extrusion nucleation systems and methods useful for making polymeric microcellular foamed materials, including crystalline and semi-crystalline polymeric microcellular materials, are provided. Pressure drop rate is an important feature in some embodiments, and the invention provides systems for controlling these and other parameters. One aspect involves a multiple-pathway nucleator that is separated from a shaping die by a residence chamber. Another aspect involves a die for making advantageously thick articles, including a multiple-pathway nucleation section. Microcellular material can be continuously extruded onto wire, resulting in a very thin, essentially closed-cell microcellular insulating coating secured to a wire. Other very thin microcellular products can be fabricated as well.

Abstract: Poly(lactones) are provided. The poly(lactones) are obtained by polymerization of a lactone with an initiator system comprising at least one polyfunctional initiator. The poly(lactones) have a shear viscosity at some temperature in the range of from 35 to 45° C. above the melting temperature of the poly(lactone) of at least 6 kPas at 0.1 s−1 shear rate and no greater than 3.5 kPas at 100 s−1 shear rate, and a shear viscosity activation energy of greater than 40 kJ/mol. Preferably, the poly(lactone) is poly(caprolactone).

Abstract: A process for making a polymer foam sheet, which comprises (i) extruding through an annular extrusion die a foamable composition comprising at least one polypropylene polymer and at least one blowing agent, at a pressure, temperature, and extrusion rate sufficient to prevent foaming of the composition prior to exiting the die, under conditions sufficient to form a foam tube having a density of at least 16 kg/m3 and no greater than 200 kg/m3, an open cell content of less than 70 percent, a circumference of at least 1 meter, and a foam thickness of at least 2 mm and no greater than 25 mm, wherein the blowing agent is used in an amount of from 0.2 to 4.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stopper for use in a substantially cylindrical bottle opening. The stopper has a substantially cylindrical shape to seal the bottle opening and includes a first polymer portion and a second material portion, wherein the second material portion coaxially overlies the first polymer portion. In another embodiment, the stopper includes a third polymer portion wherein the first polymer portion coaxially overlies the third polymer portion. The invention also relates to a method of protecting liquid in a bottle with a substantially cylindrical bottle opening. The method includes providing a stopper having a substantially cylindrical shape to seal the bottle opening and closing off the bottle by insertion of the stopper into the bottle opening. The invention also relates to a method of producing a stopper for use in a substantially cylindrical bottle opening.

Abstract: A system and a method for generating die swell/draw down information for a profile extrusion die design. A rheometer having a slit die and a puller mechanism coupled thereto provide the die swell/draw down information of a polymer resin material in two dimensions—in the thickness direction and in the width direction. A processor uses the die swell/draw down information to generate a die design chart that contains representations of shear rate, draw rates, and thickness. A designer uses the die design charts to design a profile extrusion die.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a polymeric foam, wherein foam components are brought together under pressure and are passed through a permeable discharge head where the pressure is reduced. The permeable discharge head comprises a diffuser element having a structure such as to require division, divergence and convergence of flow paths in three dimensions within its axial thickness, considered in the direction of flow therethrough. The diffuser element comprises plural individual woven wire meshes sintered together to form a composite element. The invention also provides the diffuser element.

Abstract: Foam forming techniques are capable of permitting foaming of biodegradable resin to be positively and uniformly accomplished to provide a biodegradable resin foam with satisfactory quality. The biodegradable resin foam is made of biodegradable resin a main biodegradable resin ingredient of 100° C. or more in melting point and a low-melting biodegradable resin ingredient of 100° C. or less in melting point. The biodegradable resin foam is produced by placing a starting material of at least biodegradable resin and a substantial amount of moisture in a heated and pressurized environment, releasing the starting material from the environment to foam the biodegradable resin, and subjecting the foamed resin to forming by a forming mold. An apparatus for producing the foamed biodegradable resin foam includes a pressure adjusting chamber, an air-permeable forming mold, a pressure reducing tank and an injection machine.

Abstract: By achieving an extruded, foamed core formed from plastic material peripherally surrounded and integrally bonded with a cooperating synthetic, plastic, extruded, outer layer, a unique, multi-component, multi-layer synthetic closure is provided which may be employed as a bottle closure or stopper for any desired product, whether the product is a liquid, a viscous material, or a solid distributed in a bottle or container and dispensed through the open portal of the container neck. The present invention achieves a mass producible, resilient, synthetic bottle closure which is employable for any desired bottle, including wine. By employing the present invention, a multi-component or multi-layer synthetic closure is attained which possesses physical properties substantially equal to or better than the physical properties found in cork material, which has caused such cork material to be the principal closure material for wine bottles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses, inter alia, a composition useful for producing a homogeneous, semipermeable membrane, the composition comprising (1) a polysulfone compound, (2) a solvent, such as sulfolane, antypyrine, &dgr;-valerolactam, diethyl phthalate, and mixtures thereof, and (3) a non-solvent, such as poly(ethylene glycol), di(ethylene glycol), tri(ethylene glycol), glycerol, and mixtures thereof. Another aspect of this invention discloses methods for fabricating semipermeable membranes by homogeneously mixing the composition of the polysulfone compound, solvent, and non-solvent, melting the composition, and melt-spinning the molten composition. Another aspect of the present invention includes homogeneous, melt-spun, semipermeable membranes useful for liquid separation processes, such as, but not limited to, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, dialysis, and reverse osmosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a thermoplastic material for immobilization and/or protection of a part of the body. The method includes the steps of (1) admixing a thermoplastic material with at least one foaming agent and (2) extruding the admixture at a temperature sufficient to expand the foaming agent and for a specified resident time interval.

Abstract: The present invention relates to foamed products. More particularly, the present invention relates to foamed products comprising a plurality of coalesced extruded strands or profiles or layers of a foamed thermoplastic composition having a low density.

Abstract: A thermosetting foam, preferably polyisocyanurate or polyurethane foam, is prepared in an extruder which permits the incorporation of high levels of filler particles. The method includes introducing polyol, isocyanate and filler particles to an extruder screw for mixing. In conjunction with extruding, a catalyst is added. The catalyst may be added either in a last extruder barrel or with the extruder head. Foam with filler particle content in excess of 12% made be readily made. Filler particles, such as aluminum trihydrate, perlite, carbon black, diatomaceous earth, polyiso powders, ammonium phosphate, fly ash, barium sulfate, calcium silicate, and calcium carbonate, may be used. The process described is preferably used for making foam boards or bunstock.