Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing foam board or sheet including the steps of (A) forming a foamable mixture of (1) a major amount of a styrenic polymer having a high melt index, (2) a minor amount of a low melt index styrenic polymer, and (3) a blowing agent containing a major amount of carbon dioxide under a pressure sufficient to prevent prefoaming of the mixture, and (B) foaming the mixture into a region of reduced pressure to form a foam product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes (SPEMs) which include a porous polymer substrate interpenetrated with an ion-conducting material. SPEMs of the present invention are useful in electrochemical applications, including fuel cells and electrodialysis.

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

Abstract: A blowing agent for foaming polystyrene consisting essentially of at least one low permeability compound (preferably a volatile organic compound (VOC)), at least one low volatility compound (preferably a non-VOC) and, optionally, at least one high volatility compound (preferably a non-VOC). In one embodiment, the low permeability volatile organic compound is selected from the group consisting of isopentane and isobutane, the low volatility non-volatile organic compound is acetone and the high volatility non-volatile organic compound is carbon dioxide. The blowing agent of the present invention may be used to foam a polystyrene foam structure. The blowing agent is directed to achieving low fugitive VOC emissions.

Abstract: A process is described for the continuous production of polyurethane block foam using carbon dioxide which is physically dissolved under pressure as a foaming agent, wherein before the polyol and isocyanate components are mixed the carbon dioxide is dissolved in the polyol component and air or nitrogen is dissolved in the isocyanate component, both components are fed to a mixing chamber in which a pressure prevails which is 70 to 150% of the solution pressure of the CO.sub.2 in the polyol component, the isocyanate component is fed to the mixing chamber at a pressure of at least 30 bar and is injected therein with depressurization down to the mixing chamber pressure, wherein air or nitrogen in an amount of at least 1 g per kg CO.sub.2 is dissolved in the isocyanate component, and after emerging from the mixing chamber the mixture is depressurization to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method for the production of a water-absorbent resin capable of fast water absorption is disclosed which comprises the steps of dispersing bubbles of an inert gas in an aqueous monomer solution of a mixture of a water-soluble unsaturated monomer and a water-soluble cross-linking monomer and subjecting the mixture to copolymerization under the condition that a volume of the monomer solution wherein the inert gas is dispersed is in the range of 1.02 to 5 times of a volume of non-dispersant state.

Abstract: A present invention relates to a process for preparing elastic, flexible slabstock foams by reacting polyisocyanates with at least one polyol having a molecular weight from 2,000 to 10,000, having a functionality of 2 to 4, which have at least two hydrogen atoms capable of reacting with said polyisocyanates; at least one polyol having a molecular weight from 400 to 4,000, having a functionality of 4 to 8 and having at least four hydrogen atoms capable of reacting with isocyanates; water and optionally, organic blowing agents; stabilizers; activators; additives and auxiliary agents; optionally, low molecular weight cross-linking agents with a molecular weight of 32 to 399; and liquid CO.sub.2, which is used as an additional blowing agent, and is decompressed in a decompression chamber containing fine-meshed gratings upstream of the discharge point to the conveyer belt.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to improved alkenyl aromatic polymer foams (and processes for their preparation) having increased heat distortion temperature and improved dimensional stability while maintaining good tensile/tear, creep and environmental dimensional change properties.The closed cell low density alkenyl aromatic polymer foams exhibit increased heat distortion temperature, when substantially random interpolymers of about 21 to about 65 mol % styrene are blended in. When these same alkenyl aromatic polymer foams are made without these interpolymers, the heat distortion temperature is not improved.

Abstract: Process for preparing rigid and flexible polyurethane foams by reacting a polyisocyanate and a polyol in the presence of water and CO.sub.2. The foams obtained do not show a major glass transition temperature between -100.degree. C. and +25.degree. C. and have improved air flow properties.

Abstract: Microcellular polyurethane elastomers having sharply reduced or virtually no urea linkages may be prepared without resort to organic physical blowing agents by frothing a frothable mixture containing isocyanate reactive polyols and chain extenders, and a frothable isocyanate component. The isocyanate component is derived by reacting a stoichiometric excess of a di- or polyisocyanate with a polyol component containing an ultra-low unsaturation polyol. The froth-produced elastomers surprisingly exhibit greatly improved tear strengths, compression set, and other physical properties as compared to all water-blown microcellular elastomers of the same density.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a foam frothing alternative for blowing or frothing single component foams using gases which are incapable of being liquified within the limits of DOT aerosol cans, referred to herein as non-liquefiable gases. In this invention, it is demonstrated that non-liquefiable gases such as CO.sub.2 and N.sub.2 O can be used to provide foams using conventional single component foam chemical raw materials. The present invention provides an adhesive/sealant, expanded by a non-liquefiable gas propelled from a container initially and expanded by a blowing agent consisting primarily or exclusively of a non-liquefiable gas and formulated from a moisture curable polyurethane prepolymer using a low molecular weight isocyanate of two or more functionality. In one or more variations, the compositions of the present invention contain solubility enhancers for non-liquefiable gases such as CO.sub.

Abstract: A blowing agent for foaming polystyrene consisting essentially of at least one low permeability volatile organic compound, at least one low volatility non-volatile organic compound and, optionally, at least one high volatility non-volatile organic compound. In one embodiment, the low permeability volatile organic compound is selected from the group consisting of isopentane and isobutane, the low volatility non-volatile organic compound is acetone and the high volatility non-volatile organic compound is carbon dioxide. The blowing agent of the present invention may be used to foam a polystyrene foam structure. The blowing agent is directed to achieving low fugitive volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions.

Abstract: A method and device are described for the production of foams from two-component reactive mixtures using carbon dioxide as expanding agent, by mixing at least one of the reactive components with carbon dioxide under pressure. That mixture is then mixed with the other reactive component(s) to form a foamable reactive mixture, which is expanded and cured to form the final product. The foamable reactive mixture is expanded to ambient pressure through at least one fine-meshed screen (21a, 21b, 21c).

Abstract: High quality, consistent polyurethane froth foams, both filled and unfilled, are prepared by directing polyol, isocyanate, and optionally other polyurethane-forming ingredients to a high pressure mix head prior to introducing the mixture to a froth foaming head. Changes in stoichiometry may be made rapidly without shut-down. An in-line blender incorporated filler into the polyol stream minimizing density differentials normally encountered in the holding tank, maintaining low and reproducible viscosity, and allowing for greater amounts of filler than otherwise possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cross-linked synthetic polymers based on acrylic acid and its derivatives, which have a high absorption capacity and an improved absorption rate for water, aqueous solutions and body fluids, to a process for their production by radical polymerization under such conditions that polymers are obtained which have a porous structure and a swelling degree-dependent particle density so that the polymer particles are floatable in water or aqueous liquids. The present invention further relates to the use of these polymers for the absorption and/or retention of water and for the release of water and/or an active substance solution to a surrounding medium. The porous structure of the polymers is formed by nitrogen dispersed in the polymer, with at least one azo compound being added to the aqueous monomer solution as polymerization initiator and blowing agent, which azo compound has a half-time of at least 10 hours at a temperature of 30.degree. to 120.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed are foamable EPDM compositions comprising EPDM, a carbon black having a CTAB of about 50 to 60 m2/g and DBP of 90 to 115 cc/100 g and a blowing agent which are advantageous for use in applications where UHF microwave curing is utilized and for replacing foamable EPDM compositions incorporating similar amounts of conventional blends of carbon blacks. Also disclosed are foamed, cured EPDM compositions comprising: EPDM and a carbon black having a CTAB of about 50 to 60 m2/g and DBP of 90 to 115 cc/100 g which have advantageously lower sponge density and lower sponge compression set than EPDM compositions incorporating similar amounts of conventional low reinforcing carbon blacks. Further disclosed is a process for producing the foamed, cured EPDM compositions of the present invention. Additionally disclosed is use of the foamed, cured EPDM compositions of the present invention as weatherstripping.

Abstract: A method and device are described for the production of foams from two-component reactive mixtures using carbon dioxide as expanding agent, by mixing at least one of the reactive components with carbon dioxide under pressure. That mixture is then mixed with the other reactive component(s) to form a foamable reactive mixture, which is expanded and cured to form the final product. The foamable reactive mixture is expanded to ambient pressure through at least one fine-meshed screen (21a, 21b, 21c).

Abstract: Expandable styrene resin beads are described, which, when expanded to a bulk density of 20 g/l, give pre-expanded beads in which the number of cells present along those surface parts of radii which range from the bead surface to a depth of 0.2 mm from the surface is from 3 to 20 per mm and to the bead center is 10 or larger per mm, the number of the number of cells present along those inner parts of the radii which range from a depth of 1 mm from the bead surface to the bead center is 10 or larger per mm, the number of cells present along said surface parts being smaller than the number of cells present along said inner parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal insulating foamed material with excellent thermal insulating properties and a method of manufacturing the same. The method comprises the steps of: concurrently mixing and blowing a polyurethane material to produce a foamed polyurethane resin composition with a multiplicity of closed cells, the polyurethane material including a reactive blowing agent, a volatile compound having a boiling point of not higher than 150.degree. C. and a molecular weight of not less than 70, an epoxy compound, and a carbon dioxide fixation catalyst, wherein the closed cells are filled with the volatile compound and carbon dioxide produced by a reaction of the reactive blowing agent with a polyisocyanate; and allowing the carbon dioxide to chemically react with epoxy groups of the epoxy compound in the presence of the carbon dioxide fixation catalyst to form a solid or liquid cyclic carbonate.

Abstract: Disclosed are foamable EPDM compositions comprising EPDM, a carbon black having a CTAB of about 50 to 60 m2/g and DBP of 90 to 115 cc/100 g and a blowing agent which are advantageous for use in applications where UHF microwave curing is utilized and for replacing foamable EPDM compositions incorporating similar amounts of conventional blends of carbon blacks. Also disclosed are foamed, cured EPDM compositions comprising: EPDM and a carbon black having a CTAB of about 50 to 60 m2/g and DBP of 90 to 115 cc/100 g which have advantageously lower sponge density and lower sponge compression set than EPDM compositions incorporating similar amounts of conventional low reinforcing carbon blacks. Further disclosed is a process for producing the foamed, cured EPDM compositions of the present invention. Additionally disclosed is use of the foamed, cured EPDM compositions of the present invention as weatherstripping.

Abstract: Completely open-celled rigid polyurethane foams are produced by subjecting closed-celled or partially closed-celled rigid polyurethane foams to applied external pressure. These open-celled foams are useful as filling material in insulating panels or as insulating foams.

Abstract: The electroconductive polyurethane foam according to the present invention is obtained by adding and dispersing, in the composition constituting polyurethane foam, a substance with electron conduction mechanism, and a substance with ionic conduction mechanism and mechanically agitating the resultant mixture in the presence of inert gas. The substance with ionic conduction mechanism is an antistatic agent selected from cationic surfactant, anionic surfactant, ampholytic surfactant, and non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: High quality, consistent polyurethane froth foams, both filled and unfilled, are prepared by directing polyol, isocyanate, and optionally other polyurethane-forming ingredients to a high pressure mix head prior to introducing the mixture to a froth foaming head. Changes in stoichiometry may be made rapidly without shut-down. An in-line blender incorporated filler into the polyol stream minimizing density differentials normally encountered in the holding tank, maintaining low and reproducible viscosity, and allowing for greater amounts of filler than otherwise possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a flexible polyurethane foam by reacting, at a reaction temperature within a temperature range of between about 70.degree. F. and about 150.degree. F., a reaction mixture comprised of a polyol, an organic isocyanate, water, an encapsulated blowing agent, and a reaction catalyst, wherein the encapsulated blowing agent comprises a shell and a core, said shell comprising a polymer having a melting point above the initial reaction temperature, and said core comprising a gaseous blowing agent or blowing agent precursor for blowing said reaction mixture at said reaction temperature. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a process for cooling a hot polyurethane foam utilizing encapsulated water contained in the foam forming reaction mixture.

Abstract: A foamable organic composition comprising a compound foamable to 50% or more comprising an organic polymer and a chemical foaming agent, and, as a physical foaming agent, at least one member selected from the group consisting of rare gases and carbon dioxide; and a method for producing a foamed article having a high expansion ratio by using said composition. According to the present invention, a foamed article having a uniform and fine foam structure and a high expansion ratio of not less than 75% (which is as high as when freon gas is used) can be obtained without causing environmental problems such as depletion of the ozon layer. When applied, in particular, to a foamed layer for an insulated conductor, such as foam-insulated electric wire which is required to have high performance insulation and is occasionally installed under severe conditions, the composition of the present invention advantageously provides an insulated conductor with no potential buckling.

Abstract: A storage stable anaerobic composition which does not require constant aeration with a viscosity between 50,000 to 5,000,000 mPa.s and a volume expansion of between about 1 to 20% due to the creation within the composition by aeration of stable, uniform, microcellular foam.

Abstract: A method for the production of integral skin foam is provided. An inert, non-flammable gas is added together with a low quantity of hydrocarbon fluid to a liquid skeleton substance. Only the inert, non-flammable gas serves during energy supply for foaming up the skeleton substance. The hydrocarbon fluid promotes the formation of a dense outer skin of the integral skin foam. The liquid skeleton substance is brought into a chamber and a sonochemical process is brought about in order to dissolve the gases in the liquid skeleton substance. The hydrocarbon fluid is less than 1% by volume of the inert gas and the liquid skeleton substance.

Abstract: A sealing material is prepared by furnishing a liquid composition comprising a polydiene or polyolefin polyol, a polyisocyanate compound, a foam stabilizer, and a blowing agent, uniformly dispersing an inert gas in the liquid composition by mechanical agitation to form a bubbled composition, shaping the bubbled composition into a sheet shape, and heat curing the bubbled shape at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the blowing agent. The sealing material is lightweight and has a high blowing magnification. On use, the sealing material is disposed in a cavity of an automotive pillar or similar member and heated for foaming to fill the cavity with the foamed product.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) for the dispersion of minute bubbles in a liquid resin material comprises high pressure tank means (21) containing a liquid resin material (M) under pressure; means for delivering (45) at least one agent selected from the group consisting of blowing agents and nucleating agents into the liquid resin material; means for agitating (63) the mixture of liquid resin material and the selected agent within the tank; means for shearing (60) the mixture; and control means (50) for determining the population of bubbles of the agent within the mixture and provides an output signal for controlling operation of the means for shearing, thereby altering the fineness of dispersion of the agent in the liquid resin material as desired.

Abstract: Foamed polyurethanes substantially free from non-uniform density distribution are obtained by dispersing an inert gas with mechanical stirring into a foamed polyurethane-forming composition containing substantially no blowing agent and comprising (1) an organic polyisocyanate component, (2) a polyol component comprising a high molecular weight polyol (A1) and a low molecular weight polyol (A2), (3) a dehydrating agent (B) and optionally organic microballoons, and curing the resulting composition containing therein the inert gas substantially homogeneously distributed. Foamed polyurethanes thus obtained are lightweight and of reduced warpage after processing and are suitable for model materials.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting chemical reactions of a fluid functionally reactive organic material by mixing it with supercritical fluid ("SCF") or near supercritical fluid, especially carbon dioxide maintained under supercritical fluid conditions. The process includes the ability to restrain a chemical reaction that occurs otherwise between functionally compatible organic molecules by the inclusion of supercritical fluid, particularly CO.sub.2, with the molecules, so that the reaction can be made to occur according to a predetermined but different from normal pattern.

Abstract: The variations in the delivery rate of additive caused by fluctuations in a system for the preparation of a polyurethane reaction mixture from flowable reactants and an additive, in particular a blowing agent, are kept within negligible limits by subdividing the supply pipe (4) to the mixing head (6) into a main pipe (8) and a subpipe (9) and introducing the additive into the side stream, which is substantially smaller than the main stream.

Abstract: In a method of preparing a poly-urethane and/or -urea foam from a formulation including (a) a polyisocyanate, (b) an isocyanate-reactive component, and (c) a visible emissions producing component, wherein (a), (b) and (e) are reacted under reaction conditions sufficient to form a poly-urethane and/or -urea foam and the foam is then cooled, whereby visible emissions are emitted during cooling, an improvement comprising including in the formulation a visible emissions reducing agent, such that the amount of the visible emissions is reduced as compared with the amount emitted by a foam prepared from a formulation which does not contain the visible emissions reducing agent but which is otherwise substantially similar. Foams prepared therefrom exhibit reduction in visible emissions during the cure period, which is particularly evident when the foams are mechanically cooled. They also exhibit generally good physical properties.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the preparation of foam-in-fabric articles useful in furniture and automotive applications such as car seats, arm seats and head rests. According to the present invention a flexible or semi-flexible foam formulation is frothed with a non-reactive gas when poured onto a foam hacking of a composite cover, and allowed to rise and cure.

Abstract: A process for the production of fluorochlorocarbon-free, urethane-containing, soft-elastic, semirigid or rigid moldings having a cellular core and a compacted peripheral zone and an essentially pore-free, smooth surface involves reactinga) an organic and/or modified organic polyisocyanate withb) at least one relatively high-molecular-weight compound containing at least two reactive hydrogen atoms, and, if desired,c) a low-molecular-weight chain extender and/or cross-linking agent,in the presence ofd) a blowing agent,e) a catalyst,f) at least one amorphous, microporous silica gel which preferably has a mean pore diameter with a frequency of occurrence of more than 40% in the range from 0.1 to 10 nm, a pore volume of from 0.15 to 1.8 ml/g and a BET surface area of from 200 to 900 m.sup.2 /g, and, if desired, further additives andg) assistants,in a closed mold with compaction.

Abstract: A method of preparing polyurethane packaging foam for dispensing into a container in which an article is present to be packaged for shipping, wherein the temperature of the polyurethane foam being dispensed into the container is reduced, as is the maximum reaction exotherm temperature. The method involves reacting polymeric isocyanate and polyoxyalkylated polyol precursors in the presence of water as the blowing agent for the foam. A nucleating agent is present in at least one of the precursors and is present in an amount sufficient to reduce the dispensing temperature of the foam reaction product but also the exotherm as the reaction continues to completion. Incorporation of a nucleating agent into the isocyanate and polyol resin components results in a carbon dioxide blown polyurethane packaging foam preferably having a density of 0.2 lb./ft..sup.3 to 2.0 lb./ft..sup.3.

Abstract: A process for the production of expanded polyurea elastomers which comprises reacting:a) an aliphatic polyetheramine having primary amino functions and essentially no free hydroxyl groups;b) carbon dioxide in the form of carbamate, obtained by reacting carbon dioxide with a portion of the aliphatic polyetheramines;c) a polyisocyanate;d) water; ande) a catalyst having a tertiary amino group;in the presence off) an inert, halogen-free blowing agent.

Abstract: A process for the production of cellular plastics by the polyisocyanate polyaddition process, by reactinga) an organic and/or modified organic polyisocyanate withb) at least one relatively high-molecular-weight compound containing at least two reactive hydrogen atoms, and, if desired,c) a low-molecular-weight chain extender and/or crosslinking agent,in the presence ofd) a blowing agente) a catalyst andf) assistants and/or additives,wherein the blowing agent (d) usedd1) a low-boiling, fluorinated or perfluorinated tertiary alkylamine, ora mixture of (d1) and at least one physical or chemical blowing agent (d2) which is different from (d1), and blowing agent-containing emulsions comprising the abovementioned blowing agent (d1) or a blowing agent mixture of (d1) and (d2) and the starting components (a), (b), (c) or (b) and (c).

Abstract: In accordance with the present method for preparing an elastomeric silicone foam, an inert gas is injected under superatmospheric pressure during or after the merging of a silanol-containing organopolysiloxane that is liquid at room temperature an organohydrogenpolysiloxane that is liquid at room temperature, and hydrosilation catalyst, the merging step is followed by mechanical mixing in an enclosed chamber, at which time the mixture is ejected into the atmosphere. Completion of cure with simultaneous evolution of hydrogen occur under atmospheric pressure with the reactive ingredients and the inert gas all present in a homogeneously microdispersed/mixed state. The present method stabilizes the cells formed by the hydrogen and makes possible the development of a large quantity of cells of uniform size and uniform distribution, resulting in a high-expansion ratio foam.

Abstract: Apparatus (10, 180, 260, 270) for incorporating blowing agents into a liquid material provides a high pressure liquid storage and mixing tank (20, 181, 261, 271) containing a mixture of liquid material (M) under pressure; means for delivering (59, 220, 232, 285) a pre-determined quantity of at least one blowing agent into the mixture in minute bubbles or droplets having an average diameter of from about less than 0.2 micron up to about 100 microns; and means for uniformly distributing (60, 110, 237, 276) the blowing agent throughout the liquid material.

Abstract: A process for the production of an open cell polyurethane foam comprises the mixing of the following components at ambient temperatures in a mixing zone: a diisocyanate having a functionality of at least about 2.0, at least one hydrogen donor, at least one surfactant which is effective in forming an open cell polyurethane foam, at least one catalyst, and a blowing agent comprising a gas having a boiling point below approximately -100.degree. F. at atmospheric pressure which preferably comprises carbon dioxide. In addition, the mixture may also optionally contain water. The mixture is subjected to a pressure in said mixing zone which is sufficient to maintain the blowing agent in the liquid state at ambient temperatures. After mixing, the mixture is ejected from the mixing zone to atmospheric pressure, thereby completely and instantaneously vaporizing the blowing agent to provide expansion of the mixture. The resultant foam is then cured at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for incorporating blowing agents into a liquid material provides a high pressure liquid storage and mixing tank (20) containing a mixture of liquid material (M) under pressure; means for delivering (59) a pre-determined quantity of at least one blowing agent into the mixture in minute bubbles having an average diameter of from about less than 0.5 micron up to about 100 microns; and means for uniformly distributing (60) the blowing agent throughout the liquid material. Apparatus (100) for measuring the volumetric expansion potential of a mixture of blowing agent and liquid material is also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a polyurethane foam comprising the steps of dissolving rapidly and substantially completely a non-condensible non-reactive gas in a liquid isocyanate component or a liquid polyol component or both while the isocyanate and polyol components are maintained separate from one another, while controlling the flow of the non-reactive gas to maintain a predetermined dissolved gas to liquid ratio, and while maintaining the component in which the nucleating agent is being dissolved under pressure sufficient to maintain the gas in solution and to hold substantially constant the dissolved gas to liquid ratio and mixing the previously separated isocyanate and polyol components together while reducing the pressure to nucleate the dissolved gas in the isocyanate and polyol components and while impinging liquid streams of the composition together thereby enhancing mixing and permitting the mixture to foam so as to form a fine celled polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A process for producing a foamed polymer, particularly a polyurea foam, comprises reacting an isocyanate compound and at least one active hydrogen-containing compound in the presence of a heterogeneous blowing agent. The heterogeneous blowing agent is a permanent gas and is used at a temperature and a pressure thereby rendering it in the form of a liquid, solid or deep chilled gas. The exothermicity of the reaction is substantially compensated by the energy absorbing capacity of the heterogeneous blowing agent.

Abstract: A method of producing a polyurethane foam comprising the steps of dissolving rapidly and substantially completely a non-condensible non-reactive gas in a liquid isocyanate component or a liquid polyol component or both while the isocyanate and polyol components are maintained separate from one another, while controlling the flow of the non-reactive gas to maintain a predetermined dissolved gas to liquid ratio, and while maintaining the component in which the nucleating agent is being dissolved under pressure sufficient to maintain the gas in solution and to hold substantially constant the dissolved gas to liquid ratio and mixing the previously separated isocyanate and polyol components together while reducing the pressure to nucleate the dissolved gas in the isocyanate and polyol components and while impinging liquid streams of the composition together thereby enhancing mixing and permitting the mixture to foam so as to form a fine celled polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A polymer is disclosed that is useful in increasing the viscosity of carbon dioxide. That polymer comprises a polydialkylsilalkylene polymer; wherein the dialkyl group is preferably dimethyl, methylethyl, or diethyl; and the alkylene group is preferably ethylene or methylene. Preferably, the polymer is polydimethylsilalkylene. That polymer can be used in a method for recovering oil from an underground oil-bearing earth formation penetrated by an injection well and a producing well, in which method carbon dioxide is injected into the formation to displace oil towards the producing well from which oil is produced to the surface. The viscosity of the carbon dioxide injected into the formation is increased at least three-fold by the presence of a sufficient amount of the polydialkylsilalkylene polymer and a sufficient amount of a cosolvent to form a solution of the polymer in the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process and apparatus for charging a liquid reactant with a gas. In the process, the liquid reactant which is as yet uncharged with gas is introduced into the gassing tank at a point just below the substantially constant liquid level of the reactant. When the reactant has been charged with gas, it is removed at a point below the region where gassing takes place. A three-layered arrangement is thereby established and maintained in the gassing tank so that the layer of gas is separated from the layer of gas charged component by the layer of uncharged component. The gas charged component is thus maintained at a density corresponding to the desired gas content, taking into account any significant starting conditions, such as the original density, the temperature and the pressure. If necessary, this density is maintained by suitably varying the stirrer speed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for charging a component with a gas. The gas is metered through a hollow stirrer into the component to be charged with gas. The stirrer is operated at a higher gas throughput capacity than the amount of gas metered.

Abstract: An in situ foamable semi-organic composition, a half ester compound useful in such a composition and a foam prepared by reacting such an adduct are disclosed. A half ester adduct is prepared by reacting an anhydride and an unsaturated conjugated vinyl hydroxy compound and generally has the structureCH.sub.2 .dbd.CR--COO--R'--O--CO--Z--COOHwhere,R=H, CH.sub.3, CN, C.sub.6 H.sub.11 (CYCLOHEXYL), X (X=F, Cl, Br)R'=--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, --CXR--CXR--, --(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --).sub.n where n=1,2, . . . 8, andZ=--CH.dbd.CH--, phthalic, trimellitic, .alpha.-naphthoic, .beta.-naphthoic, substituted phthalic anydrides of the structure ##STR1## wherein R"=Cl, F, Br, I, CH.sub.3, CN, CH.sub.3, C.sub.n H.sub.2n+2. The foamable semi-organic composition, in addition to the half ester adduct, includes a fluorocarbon blowing agent and an initiator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating molten thermoplastic material foam by separately pressurizing the molten thermoplastic material and a gas and by delivering that material and gas sequentially to a premixing chamber, through a sintered metal insert and a post mixing chamber, to a discharge orifice of a spray nozzle. The apparatus for practicing this method comprises a nozzle assembly, including a nozzle adaptor and a nozzle, the adaptor of which has flow passages for delivering the pressurized gas and molten material to a premixing cavity and subsequently to and through a sintered metal insert contained within the nozzle.