Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions of 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropane and a mono- or dichlorinated C.sub.1 or C.sub.3 alkane have been discovered which are useful in a variety of applications including industrial cleaning, blowing agent and aerosol applications.

Abstract: A flexible foamed liquid crystal polymer film or sheet having uniformly small cells or bubbles. The foam cells are essentially spherical and have mean diameters less than or equal to approximately 250 microns. The cell size distribution is relatively small. The foamed sheet is made by extruding the polymer through a die under pressure at a temperature near or below the polymer's melting point; a gas or chemical blowing agent is extruded with the polymer to produce foaming as the polymer exits the die.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bimodal, insulative, styrenic polymer foam structure comprising a foam of a styrene polymer material of greater than 50 percent by weight of styrenic monomeric units, the foam having relatively larger primary cells with a cell size range of 0.05 to 1.2 millimeters and relatively smaller secondary cells ranging in cell size from about 5 percent to about 50 percent of the average cell size of the primary cells. The primary and secondary cells constitute at least about 90 percent of the total cell volume within the foam structure. The bimodal structure has an amount of carbon black sufficient to reduce the thermal conductivity of the structure below that of a corresponding bimodal structure without carbon black. Further disclosed is a process for making the foam structure.

Abstract: Starch-based biodegradable packaging fillers are provided which have high volumes, low weights, and excellent compressibility and resiliency properties. The products of the invention are fabricated by extrusion of a starch substrate, most preferably normal wheat starch, in the presence of minor amounts of a polyalkylene glycol or derivative thereof and/or a particulate bubble-nucleating agent. Effective biodegradable packaging fillers can thus be fabricated without the use of expensive modified starch substrates; however, such substrates can also be employed if desired, and the additives of the invention improve these products as well. In preferred production procedures, the additives are mixed with the starch substrate, and the mixture is preconditioned and then extruded through a twin screw extruder.

Abstract: A lightly crosslinked polymer foam and a process for its production, wherein the crosslinking occurs in the extruder, which comprises melt processing an olefinic polymer, with a volatile blowing agent, a free-radical generating peroxide as a crosslinking agent, and an antioxidant as a countervailing agent.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymers which contain from 10 to 90% by weight of a crosslinked styrene-diene copolymer containing from 2 to 45% by weight of the diene, and from 1 to 10% by weight of a C.sub.3 -to C.sub.6 -hydrocarbon as blowing agent can be processed to give foams which have high resistance to aromatics.

Abstract: Azeotropic mixtures of 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mee) and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene or 1,1-dichloroethane are useful as cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, and displacement drying agents.

Abstract: Elastomeric low density foamable compositions are described which are prepared from blends comprised of a major amount of a block copolymer comprised of an alkenyl aromatic and a conjugated diene and a minor amount of one or more other thermoplastic resins. Also described are such foamable compositions wherein such blends are comprised of a major amount of a triblock copolymer of the A-B-A type and a minor amount of polystyrene resin and/or polyphenylene ether resin. Also described are processes for preparing such low density foamable compositions and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: A foamable composition comprising an alkenyl aromatic polymer, blowing agent and a transient foam control agent that is effective to reduce polymer melt viscosity in the melt phase but nonmiscible and nondetrimental to the solid polymer.

Abstract: This invention proposes to employ a mixture of dimethyl ether and of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane as refrigerant fluids to replace chlorofluorocarbons.These compounds form an azeotrope which, at its normal boiling point (approximately -22.4.degree. C. at 1.013 bar), contains approximately 62.3 mass % of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.The mixture according to the invention can also be employed as aerosol propellant or as blowing agent for plastic foams.

Abstract: A lightweight, biodegradable packaging material and method for manufacturing the same. The product is made from an initial or starting material which is principally corn grit that is mixed with a binding agent and water extruded under heat and pressure and allowed to expand to form the packaging material.

Abstract: Starch-based biodegradable packaging fillers are provided which have high volumes, low weights, and excellent compressibility and resiliency properties. The products of the invention are fabricted by extrusion of a starch substrate, most preferably normal wheat starch, in the presence of minor amounts of a polyalkylene glycol or derivative thereof and/or a particulate bubble-nucleating agent. Effective biodegradable packaging fillers can thus be fabricated without the use of expensive modified starch substrates; however, such substrates can also be employed if desired, and the additives of the invention improve these products as well. In preferred production procedures, the additives are mixed with the starch substrate, and the mixture is preconditioned and then extruded through a twin screw extruder.

Abstract: Ternary mixtures of pentafluoroethane, difluoromethane and tetrafluoroethane are useful as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, and as power cycle working fluids.

Abstract: Foam sheets of high compressive strength are produced by extruding a mixture of a styrene polymer and from 5 to 16% by weight of a blowing agent mixture containinga) from 3 to 70% by weight of an alcohol or ketone having a boiling point of from 56.degree. to 100.degree. C.,b) from 5 to 50% by weight of carbon dioxide andc) from 0 to 90% by weight of a saturated C.sub.3 - to C.sub.5 -hydrocarbon and/or of a hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon or fluorinated hydrocarbon boiling at from -30.degree. to +30.degree. C.

Abstract: The azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and one of 1,1-difluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1,-difluoroethane, dimethyl ether, perfluorocyclobutane, n-butane, isobutane and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, and their use as refrigerants, aerosol propellants and blowing agents for polymer foams are disclosed. The azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and one of perfluorocyclobutane and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane are also useful as fire extinguishants.

Abstract: A thermoformable, rigid or semi-rigid polypropylene foam sheet having a smooth surface and a uniform cell structure and a density of at least 2.5 lbs/ft.sup.3 is prepared by extruding a mixture of a nucleating agent, a physical blowing agent and a polypropylene resin having a high melt strength and high melt elasticity.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymers which contain from 10 to 90% by weight of a crosslinked styrene-diene copolymer containing from 2 to 45% by weight of the diene, and from 1 to 10% by weight of a C.sub.3 - to C.sub.6 -hydrocarbon as blowing agent can be processed to give foams which have high resistance to aromatics.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel, environmentally acceptable blowing agent and blowing agent blends and a process for producing thermalplastic, and particularly polyolefin foams using the environmentally acceptable blowing agent(s). The blowing agents of the present invention comprise difluoromethane and optionally a second blowing agent component which is nonflammable and possesses good blowing agent properties. Polyolefin foam is made by mixing a polyolefin resin and the blowing agent and introducing the resin/blowing agent mixture into a zone of lower pressure.

Abstract: A process for the production of polycarbonate foam moldings is disclosed. Accordingly, a composition is prepared comprising mixing a thermoplastic polycarbonate resin and 0.01 to 1 mole-% of a transesterification catalyst anda) 0.1 to 5 mole-% of an aromatic polycarboxylic acid, optionally along with about 0.1 to 5 mole-% of at least one member selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydroxy carboxylic acids and aliphatic polyalcohols, orb) 0.1 to 5 mole-% of H.sub.2 O, optionally along with at about 0.1 to 5 mole-% of at least one member selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acids and an aliphatic alcohols, orc) the additives of said a) and b), ord) 0.1 to 5 mole-% of at least one member selected from the group consisting of diarylcarbonates and oligocarbonates,said percent based in every case on moles aromatic carbonate structural units ##STR1## in which --O--R--O is a diphenolate residue.

Abstract: A biodegradable shaped product comprising an expanded modified flour product preferably having at least 40% by weight amylose content and containing about 2% or more by weight of an inorganic water soluble salt, said expanded product having a low density, closed cell structure with good resilience and compressibility.Another embodiment provides a biodegradable packaging material comprising an expanded, low density, closed cell modified flour product, the flour preferably having at least 40% by weight amylose content and containing about 2% or more by weight of an inorganic water soluble salt, and the expanded product having a bulk density of less than about 2.0 lb/ft.sup.3, a resiliency of at least about 50%, and a compressibility of from about 100 to 800 g/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for the production of insulating styrenic foams comprising use of a blowing agent comprising a C.sub.4 -C.sub.5 alkane, CO.sub.2 and a halogenated ethane selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1-trifuluoroethane, 1-chloro-1, 1-difluoroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and mixtures thereof, wherein the halogenated ethane amount is less than 70.0 wt. % of the total blowing agent weight. The invention further comprises the styrenic foams made using the blowing agent composition and a paraffin wax. The method of the invention advantageously eliminates ethylchloride from styrenic foam production methods while limiting use of the halogenated ethane to minimum amounts suitable to produce foams with good insulative properties.

Abstract: A process for producing a polystyrene resin foam is disclosed, which comprises supplying an extruding machine with a polystyrene resin, a fine inorganic powder and a highly volatile foaming agent, heating them to melt, and extruding the melt from the nozzle into a zone of the lower pressure, wherein 0.01 to 2 parts by weight of an alcoholic ester of a higher fatty acid is added to 100 parts by weight of the polystyrene resin. The process insures that foams having a skin of good aesthetic appeal that are free from staining and malodor can be produced consistently for a prolonged time without any fire hazard.

Abstract: In a method of preparing a urethane foam article having a high density outer surface layer, of the type wherein a plastic liquid containing isocyanates, polyols, a catalyst, a blowing agent, an assistant and other additives is poured into a mold through a one-shot molding process, a certain type of catalyst is added for causing the isocyanates and the blowing agent to create a difference in gas evolving reaction between an inner part and an outer part of the plastic liquid in the mold so as to form a high density layer on the outer surface of a urethane foam article.

Abstract: A process for injection molding a hollow plastic article in which a low pressure heat-activated gas is injected in combination with a plastic material into a mold cavity of a plastic injection mold unit. When the plastic material and heat-activated gas enter the mold cavity, the gas expands to outwardly exert pressure on the plastic material thereby urging the plastic material towards the walls of the mold cavity to, in turn, form the hollow portions of the hollow plastic article. The gas remains within the hollow plastic article and continues to exert outward pressure until the plastic article has substantially cooled and hardened at which time the gas becomes dormant. Accordingly, no venting of the gas from the plastic article is necessary.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyester series foamed material having a thickness of at least 3 mm and an apparent density of from 0.05 to 0.7 g/cm.sup.3 is disclosed, wherein the crystallinity of the resin in the surface portion within 0.5 mm from the surface of the foamed material is not more than 30% and at least 1% lower than the crystallinity of the resin in the central portion of the foamed material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing a foamed resin which incolves the steps of removing volatile substances from a polymer by contacting the polymer with an extractant and foaming the purified polymer by using the same extractant dissolved in the polymer as a foaming agent. According to the disclosure the purification and blowing of a polymer can be carried out efficiently and economically with a purification sufficient to meet market demand and with a desired blowing expansion rate.

Abstract: Elastomeric low density foamable compositions are described which are prepared from blends comprised of a major amount of a block copolymer comprised of an alkenyl aromatic and a conjugated diene and a minor amount of one or more other thermoplastic resins. Also described are such foamable compositions wherein such blends are comprised of a major amount of a triblock copolymer of the A-B-A type and a minor amount of polystyrene resin and/or polyphenylene ether resin. Also described are processes for preparing such low density foamable compositions and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: Expandable thermoplastic resin beads coated with a novel very high frequency energy absorbing material are expanded with microwave energy.

Abstract: Foam molding is carried out with a melt blend of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene copolymer elastomer, and glass fibers in the presence of blowing agent and with a cold mold, so that the resultant foamed article has an amorphous-rich PET surface and a crystalline PET core.

Abstract: A process for preparing an extruded thermoplastic resin elongate foam body comprising an alkenyl-substituted aromatic resin characterized as having a density of between about 0.9 to about 3.5 pounds per cubic foot is described. The process comprises the steps of (A) heat plastifying the thermoplastic resin; (B) adding at least one fluid blowing agent comprising at least one of 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane; (C) uniformly mixing the blowing agent in the resin under a pressure sufficient to prevent blowing of the resin thereby forming a blowable resin mixture; (D) extruding the mixture into a region of reduced pressure which is less than atmospheric pressure wherein the blowable resin mixture expands into a foam body; and (E) cooling the foam body.

Abstract: A thermoformable, rigid or semi-rigid polypropylene foam sheet having a smooth surface and a uniform cell structure and a density of at least 2.5 lbs/ft.sup.3 is prepared by extruding a mixture of a nucleating agent, a physical blowing agent and a polypropylene resin having a high melt strength and high melt elasticity.

Abstract: A method of forming a gasket in situ between two components which includes injecting into a groove in at least one of said components a curable composition including:one or more free-radical polymerizable vinyl esters, and ingredients of a rapid free-radical cure system therefor,the cure system being inactivated prior to injection of the composition,and the composition having a viscosity at 25.degree. C. in the range from 200 to 500,000 mPas;and permitting the composition to cure.The composition can be a two part composition wherein the first part contains a prepolymer, monomer and activator and the second part a prepolymer, monomer and activator. The composition can also include two expansion reactants, each in a separate part of the composition prior to injection, which react to form a gas in situ in the composition. The gasketing composition is suitable for use in engines and other machines e.g. in industrial manufacturing plants.

Abstract: A process for making thermoplastic copolymer beads from vinyl aromatic monomers and vinyl phosphonic acid derivatives is disclosed. A process for making foamed articles from the beads is also disclosed. The foamed articles are useful for packaging and construction applications.

Abstract: Azeotropic mixtures of dichloropentafluoropropane (HCFC-225) and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (T-HCC-1130) with methanol or ethanol or isopropanol, are useful in solvent cleaning applications as refrigerants, aerosol propellants and polymer blowing agents.

Abstract: A method for making low density (0.8-1.1 lb./cu.ft.) expanded polymeric products uses blowing agent in an amount of any from 2 to 4.4 weight percent and aging periods of from 1 to 80 hours after each expansion step. The process uses 2 to 5 expansion steps and 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 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 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: A biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin foam and a process for producing same are disclosed, the biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin foam being comprised as a substrate thereof a mixed resin comprising 5-40 weight % of a thermoplastic resin decomposable by microorganisms and 95-60 weight % of a thermoplastic resin not decomposable by microorganisms and being characterized in that the individual aerial cells constituting the foam have an average cell wall thickness of 1-100 .mu.m and an apparent density of 0.5 g/cm.sup.3 or less than 0.5 g/cm.sup.3. The biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin foam is easily disintegrable after disposal in an environment where microorganisms exist so that it can be reduced in bulkness and gives no harmful effect on the life of natural plant and animals. The foam incorporated with a filler can be promoted in disintegration by microorganisms. Thus the present invention affords an effective means for solving various problems in the treatment of disposed materials.

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 and aging periods of from 1 to 80 hours after each expansion step. The process uses 2 to 5 expansion steps and 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 commerically viable processes for making expanded polystyrene products. The process can be used with or without a molding step.

Abstract: A thermoplastic plastic granule having an expansion agent uniformly distributed within a plastic polymer-matrix and, containing additionally a cell-forming agent in a finely and uniformly distributed manner. Such thermoplastic granules are used for producing foamed molded bodies in a mold.

Abstract: Copolymer compositions based on vinyl aromatic monomers and derivatives of vinyl phosphonic acids are disclosed. The copolymer beads of the invention are advantageously used to make foamed articles useful for packaging and construction applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel azeotrope consisting essentially of from 25 to 35% by weight of 2-methylbutane and from 65 to 75% by weight of 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane, and the use thereof in the production of rigid, closed cell foams.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable alkenyl aromatic thermoplastic synthetic resinous elongate foam bodies having closed noninterconnecting gas-containing cells having an average cell size of 0.05 to 2.0 millimeters, a minimum cross-sectional dimension of at least 0.25 inch, a cross-sectional area of at least 8 square inches, a water vapor permeability not greater than 1.8 perm inch, a density of from 1.0 to 5.0 pounds per cubic foot (16 to 80 g/l), and an absolute dimensional stability of less than 4 percent in any direction when measured by the test designated ASTM D2126/C578 are prepared using 1,1-difluoro-1-chloroethane as a blowing agent and extruding at controlled temperatures.

Abstract: A method for removing volatile substances from polyphenylene ether (PPE) resin blends in an extruder comprising adding a second thermoplastic resin downstream from the PPE feedport and one stage of water injection followed by vacuum venting is disclosed.

Abstract: An azeotropic mixture of polyfluoropentanes and methanol is disclosed. The azeotropic mixture is useful as: a cleaning agent, a blowing agent, a refrigerant, an aerosol propellant, a heat transfer medium and a power cycle working fluid.

Abstract: Azeotropic mixtures of 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoro-3-methoxypropane with cis 1,2-dichloroethylene (c-CFC-1130) and methanol or ethanol or isopropanol or n-propanol, the azeotropic mixtures being useful in solvent cleaning applications.

Abstract: A method of producing a foamed thermoplastic plastics material wherein the plastics material is mixed with a pulverulent nucleating agent and is then fused in an extrusion device. A gaseous nucleating agent, generally nitrogen, is then injected into the fused mixture in an amount of from about 0.1% to 0.5% by weight. Thereafter, a liquid propellant is injected into the fused mixture in an amount of from 0.5% to 6.0%, preferably 0.5% to 5.0%, by weight. The mixture is then conveyed to an extrusion head and extruder whereupon foaming occurs.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of expandable granules based on polyaryl ether sulfones and/or polyether imides, containing from 5 to 20% by weight of a physical blowing agent, the blowing agent and the polymers being mixed in an extruder and subsequently extruded directly into a medium at less than 40.degree. C., and a process for the production of foams from expandable granules based on polyaryl ether sulfones and/or polyether imides, containing from 5 to 20% by weight of a physical blowing agent, the granules being press molded at from 120.degree. to 250.degree. C. and at a pressure of from 5 to 30 bar to form a sheet, and the sheet being subsequently foamed by reducing the pressure, are described.

Abstract: The process of enabling foam moldings to expand further than otherwise by impregnating the expanded sheet with inorganic gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, air and other pneumatogens prior to reheating to effect expansion.