Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions for the preparation of void-containing articles comprising a polymer matrix and a voiding agent The voiding agent comprises at least one first polymer and at least one second polymer, which are selected on the basis of physical properties such as glass transition temperature, tensile modulus, melting point, surface tension, and melt viscosity. Shaped articles such as sheet, film, bottles, tubes, labels, and sleeves may prepared from these compositions. Also disclosed are polyester shrink films prepared using a voiding agent comprising a novel blend of cellulosic and olefinic polymers. The resulting shrink films have better opacity, lower density, reduced shrink force, and improved printability as compared with most standard voiding agents. The films are useful for sleeve label and other shrink film applications and their lower density allows them to be readily separated from soft drink bottles, food containers and the like during recycling operations.

Abstract: The invention is a reactive hot melt composition which has excellent adhesion and curing properties, and can be formulated into free-flowing pellets or beads, by using an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, and athylene-methacrylic acid copolymer, and/or an ethylene-acrylic acid methacrylic acid terpolymer as a component of the composition along with free radical crosslinking initiators. The incorporation of a foaming agent enables the production of compositions which are useful in space-filling applications, (i.e., as so-called “anti-flutter” compositions).

Abstract: A thermoprocessable polymeric composition formed by ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymers containing from 0.5 to 20% by moles of ethylene, optionally in combination with the chlorotrifluoroethylene homopolymer, wherein the composition contains in total from 90 to 99.5% by moles of chlorotrifluoroethylene and from 0.5-10% by moles of ethylene; said polymeric composition having a second melting temperature (TmII) higher than 185° C., preferably higher than 200° C.

Abstract: A process for the production of expanded beads, including kneading a base resin containing a polypropylene resin and having a tensile modulus of at least 1,200 MPa together with a mixture of a coloring agent and a thermoplastic polymer having a tensile modulus lower than that of the base resin to form a kneaded mixture including a matrix of the base resin and a multiplicity of domains dispersed in the matrix and each containing the thermoplastic polymer and the coloring agent. The kneaded mixture is formed into resin particles, then treated with an organic peroxide to modify surfaces of the resin particles therewith. Foaming and expanding of the surface-modified resin particles gives expanded beads having an inside region surrounded by a surface region. The heat of fusion of a high temperature peak of the surface region is lower than that of the inside region.

Abstract: A expandable or expanded composition comprises either: a) an immiscible blend of polymers having more than one glass transition temperature and one of the polymers has a glass transition temperature greater than 180 degrees Celsius; b) a miscible blend of polymers having a single glass transition temperature greater than 217 degrees Celsius; or, c) a single virgin polymer having a glass transition temperature of greater than 247 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A polymeric composition to be used in producing low density foam in which the polymeric composition comprises high density polyethylene, alkenyl aromatic polymer and a linear low density polyethylene. The polymeric resins may be prime virgin resin, offgrade virgin resin, recycled resin from a post industrial source, recycled resin from a post consumer source, or blends thereof Inventive compositions for producing polymeric foam are characterized by Dynamic Mechanical Spectroscopy to have a complex viscosity (?*) in the range of 6.0×104 to 2.5×105 poise and a loss tangent (tan ?) in the range of 0.7 to 2.1 at 190° C. and a power-law relation between tan ? and ?* where the exponent is within the range between ?0.70 and ?0.30 for the temperature range of 190° to 230° C.

Abstract: An expandable material and articles incorporating the same are disclosed. The material includes a polymeric admixture; a blowing agent; a curing agent; a tackifier; and optionally, a filler or fiber.

Abstract: A crosslinked olefin elastomer foam has a specific gravity of 0.05 to 0.2, an expansion ratio of 8 to 15, a compression set of 30 to 60% and a tear strength of 1.5 to 2.5 kg/cm. The crosslinked foam is obtained by heating an elastomer composition comprising a specific ethylene/?-olefin copolymer, an organic peroxide, a crosslinking auxiliary and a foaming agent. The crosslinked foam has a high expansion ratio, is free from surface roughening attributed to defoaming, realizes a soft touch, exhibits a low compression set and is excellent in mechanical strength (particularly tear strength) and heat resistance.

Abstract: A crosslinked olefin elastomer foam has a specific gravity of 0.05 to 0.2, an expansion ratio of 8 to 15, a compression set of 30 to 60% and a tear strength of 1.5 to 2.5 kg/cm. The crosslinked foam is obtained by heating an elastomer composition comprising a specific ethylene/?-olefin copolymer, an organic peroxide, a crosslinking auxiliary and a foaming agent. The crosslinked foam has a high expansion ratio, is free from surface roughening attributed to defoaming, realizes a soft touch, exhibits a low compression set and is excellent in mechanical strength (particularly tear strength) and heat resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foam cushion, a method of making the foam cushion, and a method of using the foam cushion. The foam cushion is formed from: (a) at least one of rubber and a resin; (b) a blowing agent; (c) a polymeric adhesion modifier; (d) a decomposition accelerating agent, and (e) a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A non-crosslinked polyolefin foam comprises a plastics component and a blowing agent. The plastics component comprises a first constituent and a second constituent. The first constituent is a Ziegler-Natta catalyzed linear low density polyolefin and the second constituent is a low density polyolefin in one embodiment. The Ziegler-Natta catalyzed linear low density polyolefin has a polydispersity of less than 10 and a melt flow index less than 10 g/10 minutes. The second constituent may be a polypropylene.

Abstract: A macrocellular foam is described having improved cell size and Fire-test-response Characteristics, among other features, which is obtained by selecting a particle size less than 1 micron for the flame retardant adjuvant. The inventors found that the amount of fire retardant adjuvant can be increased for a given foam cell size or the foam cell size can be increased for a given amount of fire retardant adjuvant, allowing the production of foams having exceptionally large, well-formed, cells that have excellent Fire-test-response Characteristics. The benefits are especially noteworthy in relation to thermoplastic foams and inorganic flame retardation adjuvants, due to the unexpected reduction in the nucleation effect of the adjuvant. The foams are useful for improving the acoustic performance of products that are required to meet certain Fire-test-response Characteristics.

Abstract: The present photosensitive resin composition 2 comprises a polyamic acid resin 4, a photosensitive agent, a dispersible compound 3 dispersible in the polyamic acid resin 4, and a solvent. The porous resin is obtained by removing the solvent from the photosensitive resin composition 2 to form a composition in which the dispersible compound 3 is dispersed in the polyamic acid resin 4, removing the dispersible compound to make the composition porous, and curing the porous photosensitive resin composition. The porous resin enables forming a fine circuit pattern and has a low dielectric constant and, when used as an insulating layer of a circuit board, brings about improved high frequency characteristics.

Abstract: The present patent describes a biocompatible composite made of a first fibrous layer attached to a three-dimensional inter-connected open cell porous foams that have a gradient in composition and/or microstructure through one or more directions. These composites can be made from blends of absorbable and biocompatible polymers. These biocompatible composites are particularly well suited to tissue engineering applications and can be designed to mimic tissue transition or interface zones.

Abstract: A suitable cross-linkable matrix precursor and a poragen can be treated to form a porous cross-linked matrix having a Tg of greater than 300° C. The porous matrix material has a lower dielectric constant than the corresponding non-porous matrix material, making the porous matrix material particularly attractive for a variety of electronic applications including integrated circuits, multichip modules, and flat panel display devices.

Abstract: Methods for producing nanoporous structures are provided. In the subject methods, two or more, e.g., first and second, different types of self-assembling molecules are combined with each other under conditions sufficient to produce a composite ordered structure from the two or types of molecules. A feature of two or more molecules that are combined in this first step is that a portion of the molecules include cross-linking functionalities not found in the other portion of the molecules. The resultant self-assembled composite structure is then subjected to conditions sufficient for cross-linking of the portion of the molecules that includes the cross-linking functionalities to produce a stabilized composite structure. Finally, the remaining non-cross-linked molecules of the stabilized composite structure are separated from the stabilized composite structure to produce a nanoporous structure.

Abstract: A static dissipative flexible polyurethane foam is formed under free rise expansion conditions from a polyether graft polyol and an isocyanate, wherein one or more anti-static additives are incorporated into the reaction mix in an amount from 0.10 to 20 parts by weight. Water is added in an amount of from 0.2 to 1.0 parts per weight. Upon curing, the foam has a density in the range of 6 to 20 pounds per cubic foot, a surface resistivity below 1×1011 ohms/square, and a pore size in the range of 100 to 250 pores per inch. The foam may be fabricated (cut or shaped) to form a shaped article, such as a roller, a clean room wipe, a cosmetic applicator or a packaging element.

Abstract: A golf ball with relatively rigid inner core and soft intermediate layer is disclosed. The rigid inner core maintains the balls' high coefficient of restitution at high impact speeds, while the soft intermediate layer provides better feel for greenside play. The intermediate layer can be made from a highly neutralized polymer, which can be thermoset or thermoplastic. The highly neutralized polymer is foamed or otherwise has its specific gravity reduced. The intermediate layer can also be made from a castable reactive liquid polymer.

Abstract: Crosslinked particles are provided that are useful in the manufacture of dielectric materials for use in electronic devices such as integrated circuits. The crosslinked particles are prepared by activating crosslinkable groups on synthetic polymer molecules, where the crosslinkable groups are inert until activated and, when activated, undergo an irreversible intramolecular crosslinking reaction to form crosslinked particles.

Abstract: Acrylic composition for use in variety of indoor or outdoor sealing applications, where it is required to seal, to fill or to repair cracks, joints, gaps etc. in concrete, masonry, stone, wood or other constructional materials. The composition comprises acrylic based reactionable oligomers and it can be foamed and then polymerized while producing foam with structure suitable for sealing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel foamed polymer material for use as a dielectric in electric transmission lines. The foam dielectric of the present invention is obtained from extrusion of a polymer alloy and a supercritical fluid, especially carbon dioxide. Specifically, the foam polymer dielectric is made by: (1) feeding a polymer alloy into an extruder and heating the polymer alloy, (2) feeding a supercritical fluid into the extruder, (3) mixing the polymer alloy and the supercritical fluid, (4) exiting the polymer alloy and the supercritical fluid from the extruder, and (5) passing the polymer alloy and the supercritical fluid through a crosshead. The foam dielectric of the present invention may be used in coaxial transmission lines. In this embodiment, an inner conductor is surrounded by the foam dielectric, which is further surrounded by a second conductor. Stripline and microstripline transmission lines may also be manufactured using the disclosed foam dielectric.

Abstract: A polymeric composition to be used in producing foam in which the polymeric composition comprises conventional linear polypropylene, high melt strength polypropylene and a rheology modifier resin. The conventional linear polypropylene is in an amount of from about 1 to 25 weight percent of the polymeric composition. The high melt strength polypropylene is in the amount of from about 51 to 85 weight percent of the polymeric composition. The rheology modifier resin is in the amount of from 5 to about 30 weight percent of the polymeric composition. The conventional linear polypropylene may be offgrade virgin polypropylene or recycled polypropylene from post-industrial or post-consumer sources. The rheology modifier resin is a member of the group of styrene-olefin copolymers.

Abstract: Low density polymeric beads made by polymerizing monomeric building blocks into large crosslinked polymer molecules in porous, spherical bead form by droplet or suspension polymerization in the presence of a porogen.

Abstract: Use of a polypropylene based composition (C) comprising (a) from 5 to 95% by weight of a random copolymer of propylene (A) containing from 0.5 to 12 mole % of at least one comonomer chosen from ethylene and/or an alpha-olefin containing from 4 to 6 carbon atoms, and having an MFIA in the range from 0.01 to 5 g/10 min, (b) from 95 to 5% by weight of a random copolymer of propylene (B) containing from 0.5 to 12 mole % of at least one comonomer chosen from ethylene and/or an alpha-olefin containing from 4 to 6 carbon atoms, and having an MFIB in the range from 15 to 1000 g/10 min, said composition (C) being such that random copolymers (A) and (B) contain the same comonomer(s) and have, for each comonomer, substantially the same comonomer content, for the manufacturing of expanded beads.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a foamed polyolefin resin sheet which exhibits a high adhesive strength when laminated with a layer formed of a saponified ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer and which still exhibits a high adhesive strength even when laminated with a layer of a thermoplastic resin having relatively low polarity such as a polyolefin resin. This object is attained by a foamed polyolefin resin sheet including a foamed polyolefin resin layer and a non-foamed surface layer formed of a thermoplastic resin composition having an A1/A2 ratio falling within a range between 1×10?8 and 1×10?1, wherein A1 is a maximum absorbance of the infrared absorption spectrum of the thermoplastic resin composition within an infrared ray wave number region of from 1700 to 1750 cm?1 and A2 is a maximum absorbance of the infrared absorption spectrum of the thermoplastic resin composition within an infrared ray wave number region of from 1455 to 1465 cm?1.

Abstract: Interpolymer resin particles comprised of 20% to 80% by weight polyolefin, e.g. polyethylene and 80% to 20% by weight of an in situ polymerized vinyl aromatic resin, e.g. polystyrene or poly(styrene-butyl acrylate) and forming an interpenetrating network of polyolefin and vinyl aromatic resin particles. The interpolymer particles are impregnated with a volatile hydrocarbon blowing agent, and limonene, e.g. d-limonene, ranging from about 0.1 to about 5 parts, preferably 0.1 to 1 part by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the interpolymer particles, for improved expandability and a pleasant fragrance.

Abstract: Crosslinked particles are provided that are useful in the manufacture of dielectric materials for use in electronic devices such as integrated circuits. The crosslinked particles are prepared by activating crosslinkable groups on synthetic polymer molecules, where the crosslinkable groups are inert until activated and, when activated, undergo an irreversible intramolecular crosslinking reaction to form crosslinked particles.

Abstract: Foamable compositions are provided including a polymeric component, an encapsulated foaming component in an amount effective in foaming the foamable composition and a wood component in an amount effective as a filler in a foamed composition obtained from the foamable composition. Foamed compositions and methods of producing foamed positions are also provided.

Abstract: A suitable cross-linkable matrix precursor and a poragen can be treated to form a porous cross-linked matrix having a Tg of greater than 300° C. The porous matrix material has a lower dielectric constant than the corresponding non-porous matrix material, making the porous matrix material particularly attractive for a variety of electronic applications including integrated circuits, multichip modules, and flat panel display devices.

Abstract: An expanded cellular ethylenic polymer product is provided from an irradiated, noncross-linked linear ethylenic polymer. Linear ethylenic polymers can be irradiated at ambient conditions sufficient to introduce branching in the polymer in the absence of detectable cross-linking as indicated by the absence of gels. The irradiated linear ethylenic polymer is compatible with highly branched low density polyethylene and, when mixed therewith, produces a resin having a single broad based melting temperature range as determined by direct scanning calorimetry, which indicates that the polymers in the mixture have similar crystallization behavior suitable for producing low density foams by extrusion foaming. The linear polymers can be obtained from recycled shrink wrap film. Low densities of from 0.7 to less than 4 pcf can be achieved. The foams typically have improved tear resistance as compared to previous products prepared from low density polyethylene, at comparable low densities.

Abstract: Heat-induced gelling foaming composition comprising an aqueous phase, said aqueous phase comprising a polymer comprising water-soluble units and units having in water a lower critical solution temperature LCST, the heat-induced demixing temperature by heating in aqueous solution of said units with an LCST being from 5 to 40° C. for a concentration by mass in water of 1% of said units, and the concentration of said polymer in said composition being such that the gel point is in the range from 5 to 40° C. Foam obtained from the said foaming composition. The compositions according to the invention are essentially compositions for topical application and especially cosmetic or dermatological compositions, for example make-up-removing compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymer blend membranes comprising a functional polymer based on sulfonated aryl polymers, a reinforcing polymer based on aminated or nitrated polyether sulfones and/or polyether ether sulfone and a plasticizer, and also their use as polymer electrolyte membrane in fuel cells, in particular in low-temperature fuel cells.

Abstract: Molded foam bodies made of silicone can be produced in large series by means of known injection molding machines for liquid silicone by virtue of the fact that mixtures of ammonium carbonate, and/or ammonium carbaminate, and/or ammonium hydrogen carbonate, in powdered form, and at least one of the two liquid-paste-like components of liquid silicone are produced and the two liquid silicone components are then processed in the known manner, with the proviso that the mold is not completely filled with the dispersion.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam compound for an ink holder, characterized in that it comprises a polyol and an isocyanate as main components, and also a crosslinking agent; an ink holder, characterized in that it is prepared by foaming, curing and crosslinking the compound; a method for securing the close contact of an ink holder, which comprises using the above described ink holder, and placing the ink holder in an ink tank for containing an ink in a manner such that the ink holder is attached to the inner wall of the ink tank.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in general, to a method of polishing a surface on substrates, such as semiconductor wafers and, more specifically, to a polishing pad suitable for this purpose. The polishing pad comprises a polishing body that includes a cross-linked polymer material, and may be incorporated into a polishing apparatus. Polishing includes positioning the substrate containing at least one layer against the polishing body and polishing the layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic elastomer composition having a three-dimensional network structure which is not formed by a chemical crosslinking and having an excellent elasticity recovery and flexibility, a foam having a highly closed cell, an uniform cell shape, an excellent elasticity recovery, flexibility and appearance, and a process for producing the same. A thermoplastic elastomer of the invention is obtained by mixing in a predetermined ratio an EPDM (1), a crystalline polyethylenic resin (2) and a block copolymer (3) having a crystalline ethylenic polymeric block and a block which is more compatible with said EPDM than with said crystalline polyethylenic resin together with an anti-aging agent followed by kneading in a pressurized kneader. A foam of the invention is obtained by adding 1 part by mass of a wetting agent to 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic elastomer composition described above together with a foaming agent, agitating and then performing an extrusion foaming.

Abstract: A composition that has an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer (A), a blowing agent (B), and optionally, an organic peroxide and a crosslinking assistant. The ethylene/?-olefin copolymer (A) has an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer (A1) having a density of not less than 0.880 g/cm3 and less than 0.900 g/cm3 and MFR (190° C.) of 0.1 to 50 g/10 min and an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer (A2) having a density of 0.900 to 0.930 g/cm3, MFR (190° C.) of 0.1 to 50 g/10 min and a main melting point peak at a position of not higher than 110° C., in a specific ratio. A foamed product, obtained by heat treatment of the composition, may be further subjected to secondary compression. A laminate made of the foamed product and a layer made of a polyolefin, a polyurethane, a rubber, a leather or an artificial leather. Footwear or a footwear part made of the foamed product or the laminate.

Abstract: An expandable material and articles incorporating the same are disclosed. The material includes a polymeric admixture; a blowing agent; a curing agent; a tackifier; and optionally, a filler or fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pellet-type non-crosslinked polypropylene foam having a melting point of 125 to 140□, and a process and device for producing said foam. Since the pellet-type foams of non-crosslinked polypropylene of the present invention has a lower melting point and a closed cell content of 80% or more, it is advantageous to mold such foams. The present invention also relates to an article molded from the above pellet-type non-crosslinked polypropylene foams.

Abstract: An olefinic thermoplastic elastomer foam of the present invention has a density of less than 700 kg/m3, a compression set of less than 60% and a density of elastically effective chains v of preferably 3.0×10−5 to 2.0×10−4 (mol/cm3). An olefinic thermoplastic elastomer composition for preparing the above foam has an equilibrium creep compliance Je0 of 1.0×10−6 to 5.0×10−4 (Pa−1) and contains a crosslinked olefin rubber and an olefin plastic in a specific proportion. The olefinic thermoplastic elastomer composition can be prepared by melt kneading a specific crosslinked olefinic thermoplastic elastomer and a specific olefin plastic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foam cushion, a method of making the foam cushion, and a method of using the foam cushion. The foam cushion is formed from: (a) at least one of rubber and a resin; (b) a blowing agent; (c) a polymeric adhesion modifier; (d) a decomposition accelerating agent, and (e) a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for the formation of superporous hydrogels using an ion-equilibration technique. Anionic polysaccharides are included in the hydrogel reaction mixture and cations are introduced either during or after hydrogel formation. Properties of the resulting hydrogel can be subsequently adjusted by treating the cation-complexed gel with a different cation or cation mixture under equilibrating conditions. It has been found that by properly adjusting the cations and the sequence in which they are used in the equilibration process, superporous hydrogels can be formed that are highly absorbent while maintaining favorable structural properties, including strength, ruggedness, and resiliency. It has also been found that applying appropriate dehydration conditions to them after their formation can further stabilize the superporous hydrogels formed by the method of the invention.

Abstract: A silane-crosslinking expandable polyolefin resin composition that is flowable before foaming and composition, does not cause degassing even when foaming is carried out immediately after heat molding without the conventional crosslinking operation, and gives a crosslinked foam having superior heat resistance (heat deformation properties) after the foaming. The silane-crosslinking expandable polyolefin resin composition includes 100 parts by weight of a mixture of 5-90% by weight of a silane-grafted polyethylene resin obtained by melt mixing 100 parts by weight of LLDPE having a molecular weight distribution of 5 or less and a density of 0.87-0.945 g/cm3, 0.1-5 parts by weight of a vinyl-functional silane compound and 0.01-0.5 parts by weight of a free radical generator, and 95-10% by weight of a polyolefin resin; and 2-20 parts by weight of a specified organic blowing gas.

Abstract: A foam and method for making such foam includes a blend of a low density polyethylene and a higher density ethylene polymer. The ethylene polymer has a density ranging from greater than 0.94 to about 0.97 grams/cubic centimeter and a melt flow index of greater than 10 g/10 minutes, and may include at least one member selected from ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer, ethylene homopolymer, and blends thereof.

Abstract: A non-halogenated, fire retardant, expanded poly (arylene ether)/polystyrene blends is produced by the method comprising, in a first step, forming a fire retardant mixture comprising a non-halogenated fire retardant, poly(arylene ether) resin and polystyrene resin by intimately mixing in melt; and in a second step, forming the non-halogenated, fire retardant, expandable poly (arylene ether)/polystyrene blend by intimately mixing in melt the fire retardant mixture with a blowing agent and in a third step expanding the non-halogenated, fire retardant, expandable poly (arylene ether)/polystyrene blend.

Abstract: A method of removing and reclaiming a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst from a polyol is disclosed. A polymeric acid that is soluble in the polyol is introduced into the polyol during or after the polymerization reaction. The polymeric acid reacts with the double metal cyanide catalyst thereby causing the double metal cyanide catalyst and the polymeric acid to form an agglomeration in the polyol. The agglomeration is easily separated from the polyol via filtration, for example. The recovered agglomerated DMC catalyst can then be reconstituted using an acid solution.

Abstract: Foamable compositions comprising a chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) based polymer containing at least 80% by moles of CTFE and a nucleating agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for preparing a syntactic foam composition suitable for use as a carrier for chemicals or other compounds, including pharmaceuticals. The invention further relates to compositions prepared in accordance with the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to crosslinked polymer foam compositions of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, an acid copolymer or ionomer, and a crosslinking agent. Such compositions exhibit enhanced melt strength, as well as lower density and compression set. They are especially useful as midsoles or insoles for footwear.

Abstract: A method of producing a foamed material comprises contacting a mixture comprising a first thermoplastic polymer and a second thermoplastic polymer with a blowing agent, wherein the first thermoplastic polymer has a higher percent crystallinity that the second thermoplastic polymer; and subjecting the mixture to conditions sufficient to create a thermodynamic instability in the blend foam the mixture, wherein the mixture comprising the first and second thermoplastic polymers has a percent crystallinity lower than the first thermoplastic polymer.