Abstract: A method of forming 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, 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: A process for producing expandable particles of a melt compounded blend of polyphenylene ether resin and polyolefin resin. A melt compounded blend of polyphenylene ether resin and polyolefin resin, a blowing agent and water are mixed in a pressure vessel to form a dispersion; the dispersion is heated in the sealed pressure vessel to impregnate the blowing agent in the melt compounded blend of resin particles; the dispersion is then cooled in the sealed pressure vessel; and a cooled blowing agent-impregnated, melt compounded blend of resin particles is removed from the reactor. A preferred blowing agent is Freon.RTM. 11. The particles are pre-expanded by heating, and the pre-expanded particles can be foamed in a conventional mold when heat is applied thereto. A resin molding composition comprising a melt compounded blend of heat-pre-expanded, low density, resilient polyphenylene ether resin and polyolefin resin particles having about 95.0 weight percent to about 5.

Abstract: Constant boiling azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions of ammonia and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, difluoromethane, pentafluoroethane or 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane are disclosed that 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: A method is disclosed for heating pre-expanded foundry pattern molding beads of polystyrene or the like in a stream of hot air to reduce the vapor-forming expansion agent content for the purpose of producing more dimensionally accurate, molded foam bead casting patterns.

Abstract: A method of making a solid foam material including the steps of heating in a chamber a starting material that is normally solid at room temperature to a temperature that is above its melting point, injecting a blowing liquid into the melted material to produce a mixture; and rapidly decompressing the mixture to produce the solid foam material.

Abstract: A method of forming in a mould an article using a thermoplastic sandwich material, which material has a core of a thermoplastic foam and one or two, optionally fiber-reinforced, covering layers of a thermoplastic resin, the method having the steps of providing in the mould a foamable thermoplastic synthetic material and said one or two fiber-reinforced covering layers, supplying a liquid to the mould at an elevated pressure and temperature, whereby the temperature of the thermoplastic synthetic material is raised to a temperature above the temperature at which the material foams, followed by lowering the pressure of the liquid and removing the liquid from the mould with foaming of the thermoplastic synthetic material.

Abstract: A method of making a plastic reinforced by natural fibers which comprises natural fibers and a mixture prepared by combining per 100 parts by weight of an unsaturated polyester with 30-300 parts by weight of an organic foaming agent, 0.5-3.0 parts by weight of an organic peroxidase, and a predetermined quantity of a wood powder filling agent. The method includes the steps of (a) preparing a filling agent mixture by adding a predetermined quantity of a filling agent to a foaming agent; (b) preparing an unsaturated polyester mixture by adding the filling agent mixture of step (a) and a catalyst to the unsaturated polyester; and (c) impregnating the natural fibers in the unsaturated polyester mixture of step (b) before the natural fibers are arranged in a mold cavity, which is then heated under a pressure to bring about the production of the plastic reinforced by natural fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexibilized, insulative styrenic polymer foam structure comprising a foam of a polymeric composition of a styrenic polymer greater than 50 percent by weight styrenic monomeric units, the foam having relatively larger primary cells with an average cell size range of about 0.05 to about 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. Between 1 and 30 percent by number of the cells have microscopic "pinholes" between them. The presence of the pinholes enhances the flexure of the foam structure. Further disclosed is a method of insulating a surface comprising applying to the surface an insulating panel fashioned from the structure of claim 1.

Abstract: A foamed cellular material from polyester resins is obtained by extrusion foaming of polyester resins having melt strength higher than 8 centinewton, intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.8 dl/g and complex melt viscosity higher than 25,000 poises.

Abstract: A process for making a shaped biodegradable cellulosic article from cellulose-containing material having a water content of less than about 50 percent by weight. The process includes forming a dry mix of the material, a bonding agent and an expander. The dry mix is fed to a screw extruder and pressurized to a nominal pressure in the extruder. Water is injected into the pressurized dry mix. The wetted mixture is then extruded into a shaped article. A biodegradable product is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for continuously foaming a polyimide prepolymer powder which is not susceptible to heating by microwave energy utilize a preheated conveyor belt to heat the powder in contact with and adjacent the surface of the conveyor belt to commence the reaction and foaming of the powder as it enters an oven which further heats the powder by convection and infrared radiation to form a continuous foam bun. The conveyor belt is cooled as it exits the oven to cool a bottom surface of the foam product to enable the foam product to be removed from the conveyor before interior portions of the foam product have cooled. Foam adhering to the conveyor belt, after the product has been removed, is cleaned from the conveyor belt, collected and mixed with and used as a filler in the prepolymer powder used in the process. In addition the mass of the powder entering the oven and the density and degree of cure of the foam bun exiting the oven are monitored to continuously control the process.

Abstract: A sound insulating structure is provided which is made by foam-backing a carpet in a single operation and which includes a consolidated layer with few or no cells followed by a cellular soft elastic layer. To this end structured materials such as fleece and/or cut foam into which foaming takes place in order to form the consolidated layer, are provided on the back of the carpet or of a foam-proof covering thereon.

Abstract: Foam boards 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 which containsa) 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 0 to 50% by weight of carbon dioxide,c) from 0 to 88% by weight of a saturated C.sub.3 - to C.sub.5 -hydrocarbon,d) from 2 to 90% by weight of at least one fluorinated hydrocarbon which has a boiling point of from -30 .degree. to +30.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous pipe is disclosed and includes forming an extrudable mixture comprising elastomer particles, binder component and a solid water carrier component having a composition other than the elastomer particles and the binder component and being associated with sufficient water to provide porosity to a porous pipe produced from the mixture; and extruding the extrudable mixture to conditions effective to form the porous pipe.

Abstract: A supermicrocellular foamed material and a method for producing such material, the material to be foamed such as a polymerplastic material, having a supercritical fluid, such as carbon dioxide in its supercritical state, introduced into the material to form a foamed fluid/material system having a plurality of cells distributed substantially throughout the material. Cell densities lying in a range from about 10.sup.9 to about 10.sup.15 per cubic centimeter of the material can be achieved with the average cell sizes being at least less than 2.0 microns and preferably in a range from about 0.1 micron to about 1.0 micron.

Abstract: Products made using the RIM process where the reaction mixture contains an acidic release agent have improved green strength when the reaction mixture also contains a peralkylated polyalkylene polyamine.

Abstract: The invention includes a blowing agent composition useful in the production of insulating styrenic foams comprising ethylchloride, propane and a halogenated ethane selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-fluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1-difluoro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (FC-142b) and mixtures thereof. The invention further includes a method to produce dimensionally stable insulating styrenic foams using the blowing agent composition by confining operating temperatures within a narrow range. The blowing agent composition has a significantly reduced ozone reactivity potential compared to previous commercial styrenic foam blowing agents.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like mixtures of 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane and 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane, being useful as cleaning solvents, refrigerants and foam blowing agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides hydrochlorofluorocarbons having 3 to 5 carbons atoms, 1 to 2 chlorine atoms, and an OH rate constant from about 8 to about 25 cm.sup.3 /molecule/sec.times.10.sup.-14. The hydrochlorofluorocarbons are useful as solvents and blowing agents.

Abstract: An expandable polyolefin composition is disclosed for forming antistatic foam products. The composition includes a polyolefin resin; a hydrocarbyl sulphonate; and an ester of a long-chain fatty acid and polyhydric alcohol. Each of the sulphonate and the ester are present in the composition in an amount sufficient to form a polyolefin product having desirable antistatic properties. A process for extrusion foaming of the composition, and thus formed foam products, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Blowing agents for use in foamable plastics such as polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and other non-polyisocyanate-based foams, comprising a mixture of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane in combination with one or more hydrocarbons or partially halogenated alkanes. In one aspect of the invention the hydrocarbon adjuvant is selected from the group consisting of propane, butane, isobutane, n-pentane, i-pentane, neopentane, n-hexane, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane and 2,2-dimethylbutane.

Abstract: A process for producing foamed articles containing thermoplastic aromatic polycarbonates is disclosed. Accordingly, thermoplastic aromatic polycarbonates are mixed with about 0.01 to 10% by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 (H.sub.2 O).sub.3 and the mixture is either extruded in an extruder at temperatures from 220.degree. C. to 320.degree. C. without application of a vacuum to produce foamed molded articles or it is injection molded in injection molding machines without application of vacuum at temperatures from 290.degree. C. to 330.degree. C. to produce molded foam articles.

Abstract: A process for producing a biodegradable resin foam, having the steps of mixing a starch polymer containing from 5% by weight to 30% by weight of water, a vinyl alcohol resin containing from 5% by weight to 30% by weight of water, a nonionic surfactant, an inorganic or organic filler, and optionally a thickening agent; optionally adjusting the water content of the mixture, to prepare a composition having from 5% by weight to 30% by weight of water on the whole, based on total weight of the composition; melting and expanding it to prepare a foam, which has a low density and fine closed cells, and shows a good surface condition in a molded body.

Abstract: The invention relates to azeotropic and pseudoazeotropic compositions comprising difluoromethoxy-2,2,2-trifluoroethane with 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane or with 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane. These compositions can be employed as solvents, especially for cleaning electronic components and for degreasing metals, as blowing agents, especially for the preparation of polyurethane foams, or as refrigerants.

Abstract: A composition including from 40 to 55 mol % of 1,1,1,,2-tetrafluoroethane and from 45 to 60 mol % of methyl chloride; and a composition including from 68 to 75 mol % of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and from 25 to 32 mol % of methyl chloride. These compositions are useful as porogenic agents for polystyrene, as refrigerating fluids, and as blowing agents for polyurethane and polyolefin foams.

Abstract: A method for continuously manufacturing a composite sandwich structure by pultrusion through a pultrusion die comprises arranging fiber reinforcement materials on the surface of a preformed foam core, applying liquid resin to the reinforcement materials on the surface of the foam core, heating the surface region of the foam core to a temperature of at least 100.degree. C. to convert water in the foam core to steam, thereby causing water vapor pressure expansion of the foam, and using the expansion of the foam core to subject the liquid resin to increased pressure.

Abstract: Substantially constant boiling compositions of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and dimethyl ether and its use as a refrigerant, aerosol propellant and polymer foam blowing agent are disclosed.

Abstract: Near-Azeotropic blends of:pentafluoroethane and 1,1,1-trifluoroethane with one or more of chlorodifluoromethane, 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoropropane, and perfluorocyclopropane;chlorodifluoromethane and pentafluoroethane with one or more of ethane, butane, isobutane, dimethyl ether, propylene, and difluoromethane;chlorodifluoromethane with 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, propane and pentafluoroethane, or 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and octafluoropropane;and pentafluoroethane with fluoroethane and 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane,along with their use as refrigerants.

Abstract: Refrigeration units having internal parts containing a rigid polyurethane foam formed without the use of perhalogenated fluoro-chlorohydrocarbons are produced by applying a coating to the internal walls of the part in which back-foaming will take place, pouring a foam forming reaction mixture into the cavity of the part in which the internal walls have been coated and allowing the foam to form and set. The coating applied to the internal walls of the part in which back foaming is to be carried out is selected from one-component chemically cross-linking lacquers, two-component chemically cross-linking lacquers and lacquers based on aqueous polyurethane dispersions. The foam forming mixture generally includes a polyisocyanate, a polyisocyanate-reactive compound and a blowing agent. The blowing agent must include a partially halogenated hydrocarbon having at least one carbon-hydrogen bond and a boiling point in the range of from about -50.degree. to about 50.degree. C.

Abstract: A biodegradable low density packing material, comprising an expanded wheat and starch product having high dimensional stability at high humidity and temperature ambient conditions. The invention also includes a method of preparing a low density biodegradable packaging material having a blended mix of wheat, amylose starch and amylopectin starch with approximately 1% gelatin being added after the initial mixing of the product at temperatures of 300.degree. to 350.degree. F.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like blends are disclosed comprising effective amounts of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a) and a halocarbon selected from the group consisting of 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124), 2-chloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124a), 1-hydroperfluoropropane (HFC-227ca), 2-hydroperfluoropropane (HFC-227ea), and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Improved microcellular and ultramicrocellular materials containing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) inflatants are disclosed. The inflatants are environmentally more favorable than fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Abstract: Compositions for producing foamed products which include filler and/or pigment additives and blowing agents which enhance the strength of weld lines which are produced when the compositions are molded. The products produced from the compositions have weld line that demonstrate superior strengths as compared to similar foamed products which do not utilized the particular blowing agents.

Abstract: The present invention is a styrenic polymer foam blown with solely carbon dioxide and a process for making that styrenic polymer foam. Foam sheet made by this process is especially useful for thermoforming purposes.

Abstract: Azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions of effective amounts of 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,-octofluorobutane; trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1-dichloroethane, or 1,3-dichloro-1,2,2,3,3-HCFC-225cb; and an alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, or isopropanol, to form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition are disclosed that are useful as cleaning agents, refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes and as power cycle working fluids.

Abstract: Constant boiling azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixtures of octafluoropropane and fluoroethane 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: A method for making low density (0.8-2 lb/cu.ft.) expanded polymeric products uses blowing agent in an amount of only from 2 to 4.4 weight percent, the process emitting blowing agent during processing in an amount of from only about 0.3 to about 2.5 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: Constant boiling compositions of perfluoropropane and trifluoroethane that 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: Substantially constant boiling compositions that are mixtures of difluoromethane and propane that are useful as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, and expansion agents for polymers.

Abstract: A process of producing a thermoplastic polyester series resin foamed material is disclosed, which comprises heating and further foaming a thermoplastic polyester resin foamed material having a crystallinity of not higher than 30% by bringing it into contact with water or steam of at least 60.degree. C. and then heating the foamed material by bringing it into contact with a heating medium other than water of at least 100.degree. C. to further foam the foamed material. A process of producing a thermoplastic polyester series resin foamed material is also disclosed, which comprises heating and further foaming a thermoplastic polyester series resin foamed material having a crystallinity of not higher than 30% by bringing it into contact with water or steam of at least 60.degree. C., heating and further foaming the foamed material by bringing it into contact with a heating medium other than water of at least 100.degree. C., and molding the foamed material by a mold.

Abstract: Substantially constant boiling mixtures of difluoromethane and 1,1,1-trifluoroethane or perfluoroethane are useful as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, and expansion agents for polymers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing pre-expanded particles of polyolefin resin from strand pellets having Tm in melting temperature measured by DSC method, wherein the expansion ratio E of the pre-expanded particles of the resin, the length l and the average diameter d of the strand pellets after having been heated at a temperature (Tm-5.degree. C.) are in the following relational expression.0.04E+0.9.ltoreq.l/d<0.15E+1.3According to the method of the present invention, it is possible to manufacture uniform, spherical pre-expanded particles easily at a moderate cost and obtain a fine-looking expansion-molded articles.

Abstract: An electrically insulated conductor including an electrically conductive element surrounded by ultramicrocellular foamed polymer insulation having a void volume greater than about 75%, wherein the transmission speed of the insulated conductor is greater than 90% of the speed of light. Such insulated conductors are useful in computer and telecommunications applications.

Abstract: Constant boiling, azeotrope-like mixtures of dichlorotrifluoroethane, 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane and methanol and/or ethanol, the constant-boiling, azeotrope-like mixtures being useful in solvent cleaning applications.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions of 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropane and a hydrocarbon containing five or six carbon atoms have been discovered which are useful in a variety of applications including industrial cleaning, blowing agent and aerosol applications.

Abstract: A method for printing a letter, character or a figure on an inner ear type headphone, which is a molded body of a thermoplastic synthetic resin, by irradiating the surface with a laser light, and a headphone housing on which the letter etc. has been printed by the above method. The printing is performed by irradiating the surface of the synthetic resin molded body with a laser light for expanding any moisture or air contained in the molded body for foaming the surface. Printing is achieved in the form of foamed regions of the synthetic resin and hence is clear and superior in abrasion resistance and durability.

Abstract: Azeotropic mixtures of HFC-338pcc and an alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol or N-propanol, or a ketone such as acetone, are disclosed that are useful as cleaning agents, refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, and displacement drying agents.

Abstract: A binary azeotropic mixture of perfluoropropane or 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane and dimethyl ether.

Abstract: A method for recycling expanded polystyrene foam materials. Unexpanded virgin polystyrene beads having pentane gas contained therein are thermally expanded to produce a supply of expanded beads. Next, a supply of used expanded polystyrene foam is obtained and ground into small portions, preferably of the same size as the expanded beads. The used polystyrene foam pieces are then placed in contact with pentane gas. The expanded beads and the pentane-treated foam pieces are thereafter combined to form a mixture which preferably contains not less than about 50% by weight foam pieces. The mixture is then placed in a mold, followed by the application of heat and pressure thereto in order to produce a final product with a high degree of structural integrity. The pentane gas treatment of the foam pieces enables the fusion thereof to the expanded beads, resulting in a highly durable product.

Abstract: A method for preparing composite foam articles by the coextrusion of at least two interdigitated layers in abutting relationship to each other, wherein at least one layer of composite article comprises at least one expanded thermoplastic resinous material. At least one physical expansion agent is incorporated into at least one of the layers under a pressure sufficient to keep the expansion agent quiescent and the individual melt streams are combined and interdigitated into a composite layered stream. The composite layered stream is expressed while the operating pressures and temperatures of individual melt streams are controlled to provide a coextrusion product having a stable foam structure.