Abstract: The present invention provides several methods and materials for use in building construction that may require air and water barrier, and water vapor permeability along with thermal or acoustic insulation. Several embodiments provide materials for a variety of building construction needs that can help build next generation green buildings.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composite foam material that is alkaline and heat resistance. The composite foam material comprises a foam layer that having a film layer attached thereto and in which at least one of the film or foam layers includes a carbon free radical scavenger agent that is dispersed therein. The carbon free radical scavengers neutralize free radicals that are generated in the polymeric material (e.g., film or foam layer) and help prevent the degradation of the foam composite material. In particular, foam composite materials in accordance with the present invention can be used in underlayment applications in which exposure to heat can degrade the underlayment. As a result, the durability and useful life of the composite sheet material can be extended. In some embodiments of the present invention provides a floor underlayment material that overcomes many of the problems discussed above.

Abstract: A deformable structure for automotive interior components includes a substrate and a cushion element. The cushion element is disposed over the substrate. The cushion element includes a fiber section which has cellulosic fibers. The deformable structure also includes a cover disposed over the cushion element. A vehicle seat and trim laminate incorporating the deformable structure is also provided.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that includes from about 1% by weight to 25% by weight block copolymer having the formula (A-B)x or A-B-A, where the A block includes polyvinylarene, the B block includes poly(monoalkenyl) and x is an integer of at least one, spherical superabsorbent particles comprising polyacrylate, and plasticizing oil, the composition exhibiting water gel time of no greater than 2 minutes, a viscosity of no greater than 100,000 centipoise and a wet tensile strength of at least 15 g/in2.

Abstract: This invention discloses three-layer rotomoulded motorboats having excellent floatability prepared from foamed polyethylene.

Abstract: An antireflection film comprises: at least one layer containing fine pores; and an antistatic layer, wherein the antistatic layer and one of said at least one layer containing fine pores are the same or different; and wherein, when a surface of the antireflection film is brought into contact with water for 15 minutes, a wiped portion of the surface shows a chromaticity change, ?E, of 0.45 or less in the CIE 1976 L*a*b* color space measured under a standard illuminant D65.

Abstract: The present invention provides aqueous self-inspecting wet coatings or films that dry to form translucent to clear weather-resistive barriers on a substrate, preferably a building substrate such as sheathing. The coatings comprise, as a wet film, one or more aqueous emulsion or dispersion polymer that can form a film in use conditions and less than 6% pigment volume concentration (% PVC), of one or more opacifier, one or more extender in amounts up to critical % pigment volume concentration (CPVC), optionally, one or more pigment, and substantially no void, hollow core, or hollow sphere containing pigment. The coatings or films enable one to apply the correct amount of coating to make a weather barrier that dries to a see-through coating or film.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a thermoplastic elastomer composition for foaming, which has sufficient foamability and provides a molded article having good appearance. [Solution to Problem] A thermoplastic elastomer composition for foaming, which comprises 10 to 40% by weight of a partially or completely crosslinked ethylene/?-olefin/non-conjugated polyene copolymer rubber (A) comprising ethylene, an ?-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms and a non-conjugated polyene, 3 to 33% by weight of an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer (B) comprising ethylene and an ?-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms, 10 to 40% by weight of polypropylene (C) having a melting point, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), of 40 to 170° C.

Abstract: Roofing composites and methods of producing the roofing composites are disclosed. The roofing composites are multi-layer structures in which two layers of the composite structures are bonded to each other by a thermoplastic elastomer composition. The layers are bonded to each other by heat fusing the elastomer composition in one embodiment. The composite structures have a variety of uses, including uses in construction materials such a roofing membranes, interior and exterior siding, and wall coverings.

Abstract: Disclosed are high frequency-active blends comprising (a) copolymers of ethylene and maleic anhydride or its functional equivalents and (b) ethylene copolymers with polar comonomers such as ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers and ethylene/(meth)acrylate/carbon monoxide terpolymers; and films, powders, multilayer structures, and articles prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A low-to-medium mass density ablative thermal protection system (TPS) comprises a phenolic-based core member comprising a honeycombed plurality of cells separated by cell walls; and an ablator material comprising a carbonaceous material and a phenolic resin material filling the cells. The ablator material may further comprise silica and phenolic resin microspheres. Embodiments include fabricating the ablative TPS by filling the cells of the core member with a liquid slurry or dry mixture of the ablator material, followed by degassing, drying, and curing of the ablator material.

Abstract: A porous resin film which is obtained from a compound prepared by kneading a composition comprising 30 to 100% by weight of a thermoplastic resin comprising a hydrophilic thermoplastic resin and 0 to 70% by weight of an inorganic and/or an organic powder in an intermeshing twin-screw extruder at a screw shear rate of 300 sec?1 or higher and which has a liquid absorbing capacity of 0.5 ml/m2 or more as measured in accordance with the method specified in Japan TAPPI Standard No. 51-87.

Abstract: An art surface and a method for preparing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a coating is disposed on a thermoplastic compatible surface of a substrate. The coating includes a reaction product of a thermoplastic, at least one cellulose fiber, and acetone. Further, the coating is able to accept one or more artistic media such as acrylic, chalk, charcoal, colored pencil, conte, dyes, egg tempera, oil, pastel, or water color, for example.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a foamed polymer sheet comprises: a polymeric material and cells located in the polymeric material. The cells have a size distribution, D90 of greater than or equal to 300 ?m and the sheet has a light transmission of greater than or equal to about 5%. In another embodiment, the cells have an average diameter, as measured along a major axis, of about 1 mm to about 4 mm, and the sheet has a light transmission of greater than or equal to about 5%. In another embodiment, a method of making a foamed polymeric sheet comprises: combining a blowing agent with a polymeric material to form a mixture, nucleating bubbles in the mixture, and cooling the mixture. The mixture is at a sufficient temperature and the cells have a sufficient cell size such that the sheet has a light transmission of greater than or equal to 10%.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a support member that has a plurality of pores extending therethrough, a first polymer which durably coats the pores of the support member, the first polymer layer having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, and a second polymer layer disposed on the surface of the first polymer layer, the second polymer being more hydrophilic than the first polymer layer. A process for preparing the composite material, and its use as a separation medium.

Abstract: A method of forming a panel is disclosed. The method includes forming a flexible skin (22); coupling a compressible material (24) to the skin (22); positioning the skin (22) and compressible material (24) in a mold; and forming a rigid substrate (20) around the skin (22) and compressible material (24) providing a first soft region (12) wherein the compressible material (24) is disposed between the skin (22) and the substrate (20) so that a first soft region (12) is defined by the compressible material (24).

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel skin comprises residues of a thermoplastic urethane elastomer and a propylene-ethylene copolymer. The thermoplastic urethane elastomer includes a polyol, an organic diisocyanate, an optional chain extender, and an optional hindered amine light stabilizer and a benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizing agent. A method for forming the instrument panel skin is also provided.

Abstract: An article comprising a selectively permeable protective structure wherein the article is wrapped or covered with the structure and a method for limiting damage to the article due to corrosion or mold growth, comprising wrapping or covering the article in the selectively permeable protective structure. The selectively permeable structure comprises a membrane having a moisture vapor permeation value of at least 200 g-mil/m2/24 h and barrier to liquid water, and optionally a supporting substrate.

Abstract: A selectively permeable protective structure and a method for limiting damage to the article due to corrosion or mold growth, comprising wrapping or covering the article in the selectively permeable protective structure. The selectively permeable structure comprises a membrane having a moisture vapor permeation value of at least 200 g-mil/m2/24 h and barrier to liquid water, and optionally a supporting substrate.

Abstract: A metallized product includes a composite substrate or other substrate wherein at least a portion of the surface of the substrate is coated with an adhesion-promoting layer comprising resin and microballoons. A metallic coating is adhered to the adhesion promoting layer to produce the metallized surface. Methods for producing metallized products are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a laminated porous film comprising a laminate of a heat-resistant porous layer containing a liquid crystalline polyester and a shutdown layer containing a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microporous membrane. The membrane can have an average thickness of 23 ?m or more, an air permeability in a range of about 20 sec/100 cm3 to 100 sec/100 cm3, a pin puncture strength of 2,450 mN or more, and a heat shrinkage ratio of 12% or less at 105° C. The membrane can be produced from a polyolefin solution made by combining a membrane-forming solvent and at least one polyolefin resin containing polyethylene having a viscoelastic angular frequency ??0#191 of at least about 0.01 rad/sec.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for modifying at least one property of a porous membrane. The method comprises the steps of providing a porous membrane. The method also includes exposing the membrane to a fluid at supercritical conditions. At least one property of the membrane is modified while the membrane is exposed to the fluid at supercritical conditions. The condition of the fluid is changed in such a manner that the porous membrane retains the modified property. The present invention is also sheet material that is water-resistant, moisture vapor transmissive and air permeable. The sheet material comprises a membrane having an open pore structure including surfaces defining a plurality of interconnecting pores extending through the membrane and between major sides of said membrane in which the pores have an average pore size. The membrane is made from a material tending to absorb oils and contaminating agents.

Abstract: An antireflection film comprises: at least one layer containing fine pores; and an antistatic layer, wherein the antistatic layer and one of said at least one layer containing fine pores are the same or different; and wherein, when a surface of the antireflection film is brought into contact with water for 15 minutes, a wiped portion of the surface shows a chromaticity change, ?E, of 0.45 or less in the CIE 1976 L*a*b* color space measured under a standard illuminant D65.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a polymer composite foam with a treated filler and methods for making the same. The polymer composite foam includes a polymer capable of being formed into a polymeric foam and a treated filler, wherein the polymer defines a plurality of cells dispersed therethrough and the treated filler is dispersed throughout the polymer. The filler is treated by techniques which exfoliate, delaminate or intercalate the filler particles into individual micro and/or nano size particulates and platelets. Ideally, the treated filler has a median particle size ranging from about 0.1 nm-10 ?m. The treated filler enhances the rigidity, barrier properties, heat deflection temperature, nucleation characteristics, fire retardant characteristics and impact properties of the foam. The products fabricated from the polymer composite foam include containers, cups, sleeves, bags, plates, bowls, protective packaging, boards, sheets, void fillers, storageware, dinnerware and cookware.

Abstract: Provided is a laminated porous film comprising a laminate of a heat-resistant porous layer containing a heat-resistant resin and a shutdown layer containing a thermoplastic resin, wherein the film has a free chlorine content of 1×102 ppm by weight or less.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide: a polypropylene resin composition which can produce an expansion-molded article showing excellent low-temperature impact properties even when expanded at an increased expansion rate; an expansion-molded article using the polypropylene resin composition, which has excellent low-temperature impact properties, is light in weight, and has good appearance; and a process for producing the expansion-molded article. [Solution] Using a polypropylene resin composition comprising 100 weight of a polypropylene resin and 1 to 4 parts by weight of a polyethylene wax having a viscosity average molecular weight of 2400 to 3400, an expansion-molded article which is expanded at an expansion rate of 1.5 to 3 times is produced by injection expansion molding by means of a gas counter pressure technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite element composed of rigid polyurethane foam and of two outer layers, wherein at least one outer layer is a molding modified with microcapsules, and the microcapsules comprise a polymer as capsule wall and a capsule core composed mainly of latent-heat-accumulator material.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-layered polylactic acid resin foamed body of a crystalline polylactic acid resin which has good appearance and excellent mechanical strength such as bending strength and compressive strength and which is capable of being imparted with excellent heat resistance, and to provide a multi-layered polylactic acid resin foamed molded article having excellent appearance, heat resistance and mechanical strength. The multi-layered polylactic acid resin foamed body of the present invention is a laminate having a polylactic acid resin foamed layer and a thermoplastic resin layer provided at least one side of the foamed layer, wherein the foamed layer has a cell shape satisfying specific conditions, wherein the difference (?Hendo:2° C./min??Hexo:2° C./min) between an endothermic calorific value (?Hendo:2° C./min) and an exothermic calorific value (?Hexo:2° C.

Abstract: A damping material is disclosed along with a method of forming and/or using the damping material. The damping material may be used in a variety of applications, however, has been found particularly useful in aerospace applications.

Abstract: Multilayer microporous films comprise first and second microporous film layers. The first film layer has a first maximum pore size and the second film layer has a second maximum pore size different from the first maximum pore size. In a more specific embodiment, the multilayer microporous films comprise coextruded first, second and third microporous film layers. One of the first, second and third film layers has a maximum pore size smaller than the respective maximum pore sizes of the remaining layers of the multilayer film or larger than the respective maximum pore sizes of the remaining layers of the multilayer film, and the one layer does not have an unconstrained surface in the multilayer film. Methods for producing multilayer microporous films provide a first film layer having a maximum pore size upon stretching which is different from that of a second film layer upon stretching.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base comprising a closed cell foam core sheet having a closed cell foam layer with a density gradient between the center of the core and the surfaces of the core. The invention also relates to a method of making such a base by adding a first concentration of a first blowing agent to a first polymer to form a first mixture, adding a second concentration of a second blowing agent to a second polymer to form a second mixture, and extruding the mixtures to form the closed cell foam core sheet. The invention also relates to a method of making such a closed cell foam core sheet base comprising the steps of adding a blowing agent to a polymer to form a mixture, melting the mixture, extruding the mixture from a die, and rapidly quenching the mixture against a high heat transfer surface.

Abstract: The foamed laminate based on olefin according to the present invention is composed of a substrate layer of a foamed body made of either an ethylenic thermoplastic elastomer comprising a polyethylene resin and an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer having a Mooney viscosity ML1+4 (100° C.) of 90-250 and an ethylene content of 70-95 mole % or an ethylenic thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising 100 parts by weight of an olefinic thermoplastic elastomer and 1-20 parts by weight of an olefinic thermoplastic resin and, under lamination thereon, a skin layer made of either an ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin resin having an intrinsic viscosity of 3.5-8.3 dl/g or made of an olefinic thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising an olefinic thermoplastic elastomer and a lubricant.

Abstract: Film structure characterised in that it includes at least five layers, two outer layers (2) made of a polyolefin on which is each time provided, on the opposite sides, a layer (4) forming a gas barrier and whereby, between both above-mentioned gas barriers (4), is provided a layer (3) made of a foamed synthetic material, whereby the outer layers (2) consist of a mixture of a polyolefin and a binder, which makes it possible to bond this polyolefin with the layer (4) forming the gas barrier.

Abstract: Functionalized substrates, methods of making functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: An extruded plastic lattice sheet, and method of making the same, the plastic lattice including a perforated sheet of plastic resin formed from an extruded sheet of plastic resin having been die punched to remove portions of plastic resin leaving a crisscross pattern. The outer surface of the perforated sheet is embossed with a wood grain effect and has a substantially three-dimensional-like appearance of slats formed by an embossing step. Both single-layer and multi-layer lattice sheet is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of continuously producing fiber-reinforced foamed resin structural composite materials is described. One embodiment of the method includes providing a foamable resin between fiber-reinforced layers within a cooled die. Another embodiment of the method includes providing elements through a fiber-reinforced foamed resin composite material for communicating information and/or fluids. Thus, for example, optical fibers, electrical conductors, or water or air ducts may be included through the composite material. The material is inexpensive to produce and can be recycled.

Abstract: Multi-layer coated materials and methods of making them are disclosed. In a specific embodiment, a porous polymeric substrate is pre-activated and immersed in a polyelectrolyte solution to form a first layer having an electric charge and at least one functional group. The coated material is next immersed in a second solution of a material having an electric charge opposite of that of the first layer to provide a bi-layer coating. This process can be repeated to form multi-layer coatings on porous substrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foamed member capable of inhibiting or preventing foam breakage at the time when the foam member is peeled from a carrier tape, even when the foamed member has a high expansion ratio. The foamed member has a thermoplastic resin foam layer containing a thermoplastic resin foam formed through a step of impregnating a high-pressure inert gas into a thermoplastic resin and subsequently reducing pressure, and at least one of a thermoplastic polyester-based resin layer and a thermoplastic elastomer resin layer disposed on at least one side of the thermoplastic resin foam layer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for improving the adhesion of a film to a nonwoven, a film to another film, or a nonwoven to another nonwoven are disclosed. Depending on the laminate or multilaminate structure, the improvement can be achieved by using low viscosity, low density ethylene- or propylene-based polymers, which physically anchor to the substrate, such as a porous nonwoven, or by using a similar polymer in a blend with one of the substrate film polymers to improve flow and adhesion.

Abstract: A reinforced low density material is provided that includes a reinforcing mesh or other geometry. The reinforcing mesh in one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of an arrangement of glass fibers that are coated with a polymer. The insulative material is formed by placing the reinforcing mesh within a mold, wherein the introduction of a heated expanded polystyrene, for example causes the coating on the reinforced mesh 1 to bond with the polystyrene to create a reinforced insulative material after the composite material cools.

Abstract: A shutter assembly, or other architectural structure or exterior/interior decorative trim element, having a foam insert at least partially enveloped by a cementitious shell. The assembly is molded from cementitious slurry, including gypsum cement and a latex/water mixture. An amount of the slurry is added onto a bottom mold surface portion to a desired depth and/or weight. The foam insert is provided with a plurality of spacer elements disposed in a surface thereof, which is placed atop the slurry in a desired orientation, whereupon an additional amount of the slurry is then added so as to at least partially envelop the foam core or insert. Engagement members on the top mold portion are then brought into contact with the spacer elements so that the foam insert remains at least partially submerged within the slurry. A top portion of the spacer elements can be removed from a base portion of the spacer element to reveal a bore formed in the base portion.

Abstract: Provided is a melt composition for a heat shrinkable foam structure that includes at least one base polymer and a blowing agent made from at least one heat-activated chemical compound encapsulated by a plurality of polymeric shells. The melt composition may also include a crosslinking promoter or other additives. Also provided is a method for making a heat-shrinkable polymer foam tubing. A melt composition containing at least one base polymer material having a melt temperature and a blowing agent having an activation temperature is provided. The melt composition is mixed at an elevated temperature. The melt composition is then extruded through a die at a high temperature. The extruded foam tube is then processed, often heat-processed.

Abstract: An air permeable composite article that in one embodiment includes a porous base membrane that includes a plurality of nodes and fibrils defining a plurality of interconnecting pores extending through the porous base membrane with each node and fibril having a surface. The composite article also includes a precipitated coating material deposited on the surfaces of the plurality of nodes and fibrils. The coating material includes a copolymer formed from a fluorinated acrylate or methacrylate, an n-alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, and an isocyanate crosslinker. The precipitated coating material provides oil and contaminating agent resistance of at least a number six measured in accordance with AATCC 118 test method.

Abstract: A polymetaphenylene isophthalamide-based polymer porous film having a satisfactory porous structure that exhibits excellent gas permeability and heat resistance. It is produced by a process which comprises casting a dope of the polymetaphenylene isophthalamide-based polymer and coagulating it in a coagulating bath. The porous film may also contain inorganic whiskers, and a composite porous film may be formed in combination with a separate thermoplastic polymer film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stretched resin film comprising a layer (A) stretched in at least one axial direction and comprising 0 to 98 wt % of a polyolefinic resin, 2 wt % or more and less than 100 wt % of an amorphous resin and more than 0 wt % and 70 wt % or less of an inorganic finepowder and/or an organic filler. The stretched resin film of the present invention is resistant to becoming waved when offset-printed with widely-used, quick-drying offset printing inks, and thus has excellent printing properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxially-oriented opaque polypropylene multi-layer film, made from a base layer, at least one first intermediate layer arranged thereon and a first surface layer arranged on the first intermediate layer. The first intermediate layer has essentially no vacuoles. The first surface layer comprises at least 80 wt. % of a propylene/ethylene copolymer with an ethylene content of 1.2 to <2.8 wt. % and a propylene content of 97.2-98.8 wt. %, a melting point in the range 145 to 160° C. and a fusion enthalpy of 80 to 110 J/g. The base layer comprises vacuoles and has a density in the range 0.35 to 0.6 g/cm3. The invention further relates to the use of said film for the in-mould labeling of containers made from thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: A tubular product has a tubular base layer, a tubular innermost layer made of plastic by continuous extrusion, and a tubular tie layer of foamed plastic between and adhered to the base layer and the innermost layer. The tie layer is made of melt processable adhesion plastic, is extruded simultaneously with the innermost layer against the base layer, and has better adhesions to the base and innermost layers than the base and innermost layers have to each other.

Abstract: An eraser is constituted by an elastic material containing a rubber component or a resin component, and a skeleton structure for reinforcing the elastic material, and the skeleton structure is made from a porous structural material such as from an organic polymer that is broken when rubbed. Void portions in the porous structural material of the skeleton structure contain the elastic material of the eraser composition. Here, the skeleton portions of the skeleton structure may have an average thickness of 1 to 100 ?m, and the void portions may have an average pore size of 10 ?m to 3 mm. The eraser may have a surface hardness of 50 to 80, and also a sticking strength of 1.5 to 20 (kgf).

Abstract: An insulated wire for an automobile coated with an insulating material which is a fire retardant polypropylene-based resin composition, wherein the fire retardant polypropylene-based resin composition comprises a polypropylene-based resin and an inorganic fire retardant at a ratio of from 80 to 20% by weight and from 20 to 80% by weight, respectively, wherein the ratio ?(=?/?a) of the elongation percentage at a yield point ? of the fire retardant polypropylene-based resin in the resin composition to the elongation percentage at a tensile yield point ?a of the polypropylene-based resin alone satisfies the following equation (1): ?=1??W??(1) wherein ? represents a number of 0.6 or less; and W is the weight fraction of the inorganic fire retardant.