Abstract: A process for dimensionally stabilizing low density foamed polyolefins utilizing a dimensionally stabilizing control additive comprising a nitrogen-containing compound (having an unsaturated leg) said compound represented by formulas (I) and (II): ##STR1##

Abstract: A polymeric composition is provided which includes the reaction product of vinylidene chloride, an optional copolymerizable monomer, and an .alpha.,.beta. ethylenically unsaturated silane crosslinking agent. The polymeric reaction product may also be used to form films and coating. The composition further may include a volatile blowing agent which, when activated, expands the polymeric reaction product into a low density cellular structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for adhering thermally-softenable particles to one another to form a plastic body has a molding tool reciprocable in a chamber for double piston action on a heated gas in the chamber. The molding tool defines a mold with opposite, gas-permeable walls in the directions of the reciprocation for receiving the particles. The double piston action of the reciprocation of the molding tool then forces the heated gas through the mold and particles therein to thermally soften the particles for adhering into the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recovering volatile foaming agent contained in prefoamed beads of polyolefin resin characterized in that the volatile foaming agent contained in the prefoamed beads is recovered by bringing into contact with heated air prefoamed beads obtained by heating polyolefin resin beads containing the volatile foaming agent. According to the invented method it is possible to avoid not only aggravation of the working environments and atmospheric pollution but also risk of explosion etc. and, furthermore, material cost can be saved through reutilization of the recovered volatile foaming agent.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the preparation of polybenzimidazole foams. Polybenzimidazoles containing 10 to 30 percent by weight residual solvent can be heated at a temperature of about 350.degree. C. to about 600.degree. C. to produce three dimensional foamed articles.

Abstract: A steam expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer composition and methods of preparation are provided. The composition is mixed with a volatile blowing agent containing, as a primary blowing agent, dichlorodifluoromethane and as a secondary blowing agent, a halogenated hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon, or an aliphatic alcohol containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, the secondary blowing agent having a normal atmospherpic boiling point of from about 0.degree. to about 100.degree. C. The composition may be expanded by steam immediately after extrusion foaming or may be expanded after aging of the composition which has been impregnated with volatile blowing agent.

Abstract: A process for the production of expanded particles, which comprises providing an aqueous dispersion containing expandable particles which are formed of a polypropylene resin and which contain a blowing agent and an expansion aid and maintained at a temperature higher than the softening point of the resin and under a pressurized condition, and subjecting the dispersion to a lower pressure so that the expandable particles are expanded. The expansion aid is organic or inorganic solids having a particle size of 0.1 to 150 .mu.m and a melting point higher than the temperature at which the expansion of the expandable particles is performed and serves to improve the expansion ratio.

Abstract: There is provided a fiber batt made from a plurality of entangled synthetic fibers arranged in a random fashion, forming a nonwoven structure. Each fiber contains a plurality of substantially spherically shaped void spaces. The batts may be made by an extrusion/blowing technique. It has been found that the batts are particularly useful as thermal insulators, as oil and water separators, and in controlled release applications.

Abstract: A steam expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer composition and methods of preparation are provided. The composition is mixed with a volatile blowing agent containing, as a primary blowing agent, dichlorodifluoromethane and as a secondary blowing agent, a halogenated hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon, or an aliphatic alcohol containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, the secondary blowing agent having a normal atmospherpic boiling point of from about 0.degree. to about 100.degree. C. The composition may be expanded by steam immediately after extrusion foaming or may be expanded after aging of the composition which has been impregnated with volatile blowing agent.

Abstract: An expandable polyolefin composition and a method of preparation are provided. Isobutane or mixtures of isobutane with other physical blowing agents are utilized to expand polyolefin compositions which have been modified by the addition of a stability control agent. The composition has a high degree of dimensional stability and exhibits minimal shrinkage during curing and/or aging.

Abstract: An expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer composition and methods of preparation are provided. The composition is admixed with a volatile blowing agent and an expansion aid which includes a polyphenylene ether. The composition may be extruded and then expanded by exposure to steam or hot air or may be impregnated with blowing agent and then expanded.

Abstract: Water instead of carbon dioxide is substituted for part of the volatile organic blowing agent, e.g., pentane, resulting in extruded foams having a smooth, lustrous drum side skin compared to foams containing only organic blowing agent or organic blowing agent plus carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A high temperature, flame resistant polyimide foam material and methods of making open and closed cell, rigid and flexible foams from common precursors. An aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydride is reacted with an amino acid and an alcohol or mixture of alcohols to produce an N-substituted imido acid ester. The product is then reacted with an aromatic diamine. The resulting liquid is dried, ground to a course powder, ad classified into sizes from 0.25 mm to 2 mm by sieving. The powder is suitable for foaming without further modificaiton, by exapansion at 100 to 3000 in a closed mold to form a well consolidated, uniform, mostly closed cell product. When expanded unrestrictedly, open cell flexible or rigid consolidated foams are produced, depending on choice of alcohol(s). The foams have excellent resistance to heat and flame, and bond well to glass prepreg to form rigid structures.

Abstract: A polymer foam made from a blend of a low density ethylenic polymer and styrenic polymer utilizing a volatile blowing agent and a free radical generating compound as a crosslinking agent. The free radical generating compound provides light crosslinking and increases the foamability of the polymer blend.

Abstract: Ethylenic polymer/styrenic polymer blend foams are prepared from blends of (1) an ethylenic polymer resin having a density of from 0.915 to 0.930 g/cm.sup.3 and a melt index of from 0.2 to 2.6 grams/10 minutes and (2) a styrenic polymer resin having a melt flow rate of from 1.4 to 18 grams/10 minutes. Foams having an excellent overall combination of properties are obtained (1) when the density, D, of such foams is in the range of from 10 to 40 kg/m.sup.3 and the 25 percent compressive strength, F, in kg/cm.sup.2 is from 0.013D.sup.1.15 to 0.024D.sup.1.15 and (2) when the ratio, R, of the melt flow rate of the styrenic polymer employed divided by the melt index of the ethylenic polymer employed is from 7 to 90 and the content, Y, of the styrenic polymer in said blend, in parts by weight based upon 100 parts by weight of the ethylenic polymer resin, satisfies the following requirement:10.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.3.94.7+1.18R-294.1 log (D).

Abstract: In a process for producing a polyethylene extruded foam, which comprises melting and kneading a composition of a polyethylene-based resin containing a foaming agent and extrusion-foaming it, a linear low-density polyethylene having a broadness of molecular weight distribution is used as the polyethylene-based resin. The linear low-density polyethylene used has a density of 0.920 to 0.940 g/cm.sup.3, a melt flow rate of 0.3 to 10 g/10 min's and a relationship Mw/Mw.gtoreq.4 between a weight average molecular weight and a number average molecular weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyurethane-urea or polyurea-based microcellular of foam moldings by reacting a polyisocyanate component containing aromatically bound isocyanate groups with an isocyanate-reactive component containing at least one compound which has at least three aliphatic ether groups and aliphatically bound isocyanate-reactive groups and wherein a portion of the aliphatically bound-reactive groups are amino groups which have been converted to ammonium carbamate, carbonate or bicarbonate groups.The present invention also relates to the compounds containing aliphatic ether groups and ammonium carbamate, carbonate or bicarbonate groups, optionally in admixture with compounds containing unmodified amino groups or other known isocyanate-reactive compounds.

Abstract: An expandable polyolefin composition and a method of preparation are provided. Isobutane or mixtures of isobutane with other physical blowing agents are utilized to expand polyolefin compositions which have been modified by the addition of a stability control agent. The composition has a high degree of dimensional stability and exhibits minimal shrinkage during curing and/or aging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of cellular, microcellular and noncellular polyurethane polyurea molded parts through the reaction of organic polyisocyanates, polyols having at least 2 reactive hydrogen atoms, and a chain extender containing at least 70 percent by weight of a mixture of aromatic diamines comprising from 80 to 50 weight percent of at least one primary aromatic diamine whose amino groups are sterically hindered relative to reaction with polyisocyanates, and 20 to 50 weight percent of at least one unsubstituted or substituted reactive primary aromatic diamine whose amino groups do not exhibit reduced reactivity to polyisocyanates.These reactive mixtures produce polyurethane polyurea polymers with excellent demoldability without the use of external mold release agents.

Abstract: Styrene polymer foam is prepared using a mixed blowing agent of carbon dioxide plus ethyl chloride and optionally a fluorocarbon to provide a foam having primary cells and secondary cells formed in the struts and walls.

Abstract: A method for aging an expansion-molded body of polyolefin prepared by heating pre-expanded polyolefin particles within a mold involves cooling the molded body within the mold so that the molded body is not substantially smaller than the volume of the mold cavity and is temporarily expandable after being removed from the mold to not more than 110% relative to the volume in the mold cavity, removing the molded body from the mold, placing the molded body in an atmosphere substantially under atmospheric pressure and having a temperature of 25.degree. to 55.degree. C. lower than the melting point of the polyolefin while the volume of the molded body is 70 to 110% relative to the volume of the mold cavity and holding the molded body in this atmosphere until the temperature of the molded body is at least equal to the temperature of the atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for producing a molded thermoplastic resin by interposing during molding a thermoplastic resin different from the thermoplastic resin to be molded as a skin layer between the die surface and the thermoplastic resin to be molded. A lubricant is provided to lubricate the interface between the die surface and the skin layer. After molding, the skin layer with lubricant is removed.

Abstract: In the case of a process for producing pourable spherical-segment-shaped packing material particles (18) made of plastic which have an external convex and an internal concave surface, the plastic material is mixed with additives, such as bubble forming agents, coloring pigments and similar agents. The plastic material is fed, by means of a feeding funnel (17) into an extruder (14) through an opening in a bush (13) surrounding the extrusion screw. The plastic material plasticizes over the course of the extruder (14) and, because of the difference in speed existing over the cross section of the mass, comes out of an opening (15) in the die with a bent surface. The plastic material is cut off directly at the opening (15) of the die and before any considerable expansion has taken place. Before the processing of the plastic granules in the extruder (14) a bubble-forming agent (nucleation agent) is applied to their surface in a drum (5).

Abstract: Crimped foamed fibers are produced by a process which eliminates any mechanical deformation steps. The process comprises the step of forming foamed fibers having a plurality of randomly arranged cells distributed asymetrically over a given cross section and occupying at least about 10% of the cross sectional area of the fiber, and heating the foamed fibers while maintaining the fibers under no load condition to produce a crimped foamed fiber. The crimped foamed fibers are used in apparel, carpet fibers, thermal insulation, acoustic and filtration.

Abstract: A polymeric composition is provided which includes the reaction product of vinylidene chloride, an optional copolymerizable monomer, and an .alpha.,.beta. ethylenically unsaturated silane crosslinking agent. The polymeric reaction product may also be used to form films and coatings. The composition further may include a volatile blowing agent which, when activated, expands the polymeric reaction product into a low density cellular structure.

Abstract: Improved crack-free rigid cellular polyisocyanurate polymers are disclosed that are derived from the reaction of an organic polyisocyanate combination comprising two particular types of polymethylene polyphenyl polyisocyanates (a) and (b), a trimerization catalyst, minor amount of a polyol, a surfactant, and an inert volatile blowing agent having a boiling point from about 30.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C.The novel rigid foams are particularly useful in preparing high molded bodies of foam by making multiple pours or lifts on top of each other in a mold. The resultant molded body comprises a multiple of molded parts firmly fused to each other and crack-free. Such high molded bodies and process therefor are particularly useful in the insulation of ships.

Abstract: A process for producing a polypropylenepolystyrene interpolymer which can be impregnated with a blowing agent and can then be expanded under normal conditions for polystyrene particles to low density, fine cell structure foams. The interpolymer must be viscbroken, lubricated and stress relaxed in order to foam at 100.degree. C. to densities less than 2.0 pcf.

Abstract: A polyethylene microporous membrane having a thickness of at most 10 .mu.m, a breaking strength of at least 200 kg/cm.sup.2 and a porosity of at least 30% is produced by heating and dissolving polyethylene having a weight average molecular weight of at least 5.times.10.sup.5 in a solvent, forming a gel sheet from the resulting solution, subjecting the gel sheet to a solvent removal treatment to adjust the amount of the solvent in the gel sheet to 10 to 80% by weight, heating and stretching the sheet and then removing the residual solvent therefrom.

Abstract: Methods of making low density modified polyimide/polyimide-amide foams and the resulting compositions. An N-substituted aliphatic imide is prepared by reacting a suitable aromatic dianhydride with a suitable oxime. A polyimide forming material is prepared by dissolving the N-substituted aliphatic imide in an esterifying solvent, then adding a suitable aromatic diamine. This material is dried to a powder. A suitable hydrated compound which is stable up to at least about 100.degree. C. is mixed with the powder. A foam is then produced by heating the material to reaction temperature for a period sufficient to produce a stable foam. The material melts, then spontaneously expands into a foam which becomes self supporting and cures to a resilient flexible foam. The addition of the hydrated compound is found to result in an exceptionally low density foam.

Abstract: A process for controlling bead size in the production of expandable styrene polymers by suspension polymerization is carried out by adding protective colloids to the aqueous phase before polymerization begins, such protective colloids being used which are homogeneously soluble in water over the entire temperature range from 25.degree. to 125.degree. C. and in which the concentration range being employed shall not lower the boundary surface tension water/styrene below 18 N/mm.sup.2. Lastly, the protective colloids are selected according to their molecular weight and the weight ratio of aqueous to organic phase lies in the range of 0.9:1 to 1:1.25, preferably in the range of 1:1. A grain spectrum is maintained predominantly greater than 0.41 to less than 2.5 mm by varying the molecular weights of the protective colloids.

Abstract: This invention discloses a vinylidene chloride resin type in-mold foam molding having a broad cross-sectional area and a free shape, useful as thermal insulating plate materials or anti-shock molded vessels, and foam particles or expandable particles convenient for preparation thereof, and also a series of advantageous foaming techniques for completion of such a molding. The above foam molding can be prepared by bringing fine particles of a non-crystalline vinylidene chloride type resin obtained generally by suspension polymerization into contact with a volatile organic blowing agent thereby impregnating the resins with the blowing agent to form expandable resin particles, which are in turn subjected to expansion as such, or after forming into pre-expanded foam particles including expandable gas therein, by filling in a mold cavity which can be closed but not sealed, under heating to form a molding through fusion mutually between the expanded particles.

Abstract: A system and method for the control of the density of extruded foam controls foaming based on the volume per unit time of extrudate being formed. A gear pump controls the flow of melt to the die. The pump speed provides an accurate measure of the volume per unit time of melt moving to the die. The speed and cross-sectional dimensions of the extrudate are measured to determine the volume per unit time of the extrudate. Since the unfoamed melt density times the volume per unit time of the unfoamed melt being delivered to the die is equal to the density of the foamed extrudate times its volume per unit time, a ratio of the density of foamed extrudate to unfoamed melt can be determined from the two volume per unit time calculations. Once the ratio for an appropriate foam density is determined empirically, density-affecting characteristics of the extruder can be controlled to bring the calculated ratio towards the desired ratio.

Abstract: A release agent is described, which is suitable for the production of polyurethane foam articles in molds. It is an aqueous emulsion or dispersion of per se known release-effective substances as well as optionally conventional additives, having a water content of at least 60% by weight and preferably 85 to 96% by weight, the water being masked through the effect of lyotropic mesomorphism. Masking and immobilizing the water molecules avoids that the water molecules have a prejudicial effect of the polyol/isocyanate reaction, and is preferably achieved by the combined use of release-effective substances and suitable masking aids. As suitable masking aids especially fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers and ethoxylated fatty alcohols are proposed. The polyurethane articles obtained while using the above described release agent fulfil the standard quality requirements without any of the disadvantageous effects on the environment such as occur with conventional release agents.

Abstract: A process for controlling bead size in the manufacture of expandable styrene polymers by suspension polymerization, wherein, referred to the aqueous phase, a concentration of ions of calcium, aluminum, metals of the 1st, 2nd, or 6th through 8th side groups of the period table of elements of 3.times.10.sup.31 5 to 3.times.10.sup.-2 % by mass is established, these metal ions being present as cations in the higher oxidation stage of water-soluble, inorganic salts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of optionally cellular, polyurethane and/or polyurethane-urea moldings having an impervious skin by reacting in a closed mold a reaction mixture containing(a) at least one organic polyisocyanate,(b) at least one compound which has a molecular weight of about 400 to 12,000 and at least two isocyanate-reactive groups, and(c) optionally at least one compound which has a molecular weight of from 32 to 399 and at least two isocyanate-reactive groups,wherein before the reaction takes place a surface-improving additive (e) is added containing(e1) a liquid and sedimentation-stable polymer dispersion which is produced by the free radical addition polymerization or copolymerization of one or more olefinically unsaturated monomers in a high molecular weight compound having isocyanate-reactive groups of the type mentioned in (b),and optionally(e2) a metal salt of a monocarboxylic acid having at least 8 carbon atoms in the moleculewherein additive (e) is us

Abstract: A process for the production of expandable granules of thermoplastic polymers comprising: (a) the extrusion of the polymer in which an expanding agent is incorporated, through a die-head in order to obtain an expandable polymer; (b) immediate cooling of this polymer in water, kept at a temperature at which the polymer remains in the non-expanded state, but not lower than the Tg of the expandable polymer; (c) cutting of the polymer to granules in water immediately at the outlet of the die-head, and (d) annealing of the thus obtained granules, by slow cooling in a temperature range comprised between at least +5.degree. C. and at least -5.degree. C. the Tg of the expandable polymer, wherein the cooling and the cutting of the polymer to granules and the annealing thereof are carried out under pressure.

Abstract: A polymer foam made from a blend of a low density ethylenic polymer and styrenic polymer utilizing a volatile blowing agent and a free radical generating compound as a crosslinking agent. The free radical generating compound provides light crosslinking and increases the foamability of the polymer blend.

Abstract: In a process for preparing caseinates comprising the introduction of a mixture of casein, lyes and/or basic salts and water into a baking extruding device, in order to achieve a uniform product flow discharge and an end product with good water solubility, following on from a product feed zone of the baking extruding device, the mixture is supplied to a plasticizing zone with return elements and accompanied by pressure and temperature increases, and then to a discharge zone, it being expanded after discharge from the nozzle.

Abstract: In the production of polymeric foam in particular polyurethane foam slabstock, a mixture of foam reactants is allowed to expand in a closed mould while substantially atmospheric pressure is maintained above the upper surface of the foam. After expansion is completed, air is supplied to the foam upper surface and noxious gases in the foam are removed through one or more apertures in the lower region of the mould. Preferably, the air supplied is dry. Removed gases may be collected for re-cycling. Air may be supplied during foam expansion. Various mould aperture arrangements and means for progressively covering the mould are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to plastics granules composed of foamable particles derived from a star-shaped fundamental solid having at least three sides, these particles being a three-dimensionally domed structure by virtue of the sides having paraboloidal curvature, and the surfaces of paraboloidal curvature being staggered in relation to one another. These granule particles preferably have three sides and at least one gap.The invention also relates to a packaging material obtained by foaming the said plastics granules. This packaging material exhibits an improved flow while having at the same time an improved packaging action (good packaging properties and a high void volume).

Abstract: A polyphenylene oxide/polystyrene polymer blend foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming said foam comprising combining the polymer blend with a blowing agent member selected from the group consisting of methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane and mixtures thereof in molten form under pressure and extruding the same into a lower pressure region to form the foam.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: Process for making core-sheath polymer particles containing voids, said particles useful for opacifying, comprising (A) emulsion polymerizing a core from a core monomer system comprised of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing acid functionality; (B) encapsulating said core with a hard sheath by emulsion polymerizing a sheath monomer system in the presence of said core, said sheath permitting penetration of fixed or permanent bases; (C) swelling at elevated temperature the resultant core-sheath polymer particles with fixed or permanent base so as to produce a dispersion of particles which, when dried, contain a microvoid which causes opacity in compositions in which they are contained, provided that either (1) said sheath comprises at least about 1% acid functional monomer or (2) said swelling takes place in the presence of solvent.Compositions comprising said core-sheath polymer particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a foamed, silane-cross-linked polyolefin foam and a procedure for producing the same. The polyolefin foam contains 60-99.9% polyolefin, 0.1-10% chemically bound hydrolyzed silane, 0-5% condensing catalyst, 0.1-5% water and 0-20% water carrier substance. The polyolefin foam is produced by extruding a mixture which contans polyethylene, silane hydrolyzable with water, a condensing catalyst and a foaming agent. For the polyolefin to be extruded is used polyethylene containing 0.1-5% water as foaming agent and 0-20% water carrier substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of elastomeric molded parts having urethane or urethane and urea linkages which comprises reacting(a) an organic polyisocyanate,(b) a polyhydroxyl compound selected from the group consisting of(i) polyester polyols with molecular weights of 1000 to 3000 and hydroxyl numbers of 170 to 35 produced by polycondensation of organic dicarboxylic acids and a polyol mixture of at least 3 polyols;(ii) polyether polyols having terminal ester groups, molecular weights of 1000 to 8000 and hydroxyl numbers of 170 to 15; and(iii) mixtures thereof;(c) a chain extenderwherein components (a) through (c) are processed according to reaction injection molding techniques in open or closed molds.The reaction is preferably carried out as a one-shot process and may also be carried out in the presence of blowing agents (d), auxiliaries (e), and additives (e).

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the release of polyurethane from a steel or aluminium mould, the metal surface is provided with a mono-layer of an alkylmercaptan. A silver layer may be provided between the mould metal and the alkylmercaptan monolayer.The invention can be advantageously used for manufacturing a luminaire for a tubular discharge lamp.

Abstract: An expandable blend of a linear olefinic polymer and a crosslinkable polymer for production of lightly crosslinked foamed polymers and a process for the preparation thereof is provided. The presence of a crosslinkable polymer component in the blend increases the melt strength of the linear olefinic component so that conventional melt processing techniques may be utilized to produce foamed polymers. Both open and closed cell foams may be produced.