Abstract: In order to provide polymer compounds which are improved with respect to their properties in comparison with conventional PTFE, on the one hand, and compounds thereof with additional high performance polymers, on the other hand, it is suggested that a polymer compound comprise a proportion of a fully fluorinated, thermoplastic polymer material as well as a proportion of at least one additional high performance polymer different thereto and selected from the group consisting of polyether ketone, polyether ether ketone and polyether aryl ketone as well as copolymers and derivatives of these polymers and copolymers, wherein the compound displays a homogeneous distribution of the proportions of the polymers and the polymer material.

Abstract: A composition for the manufacture of a porous, compressible article, the composition comprising a combination of: a plurality of reinforcing fibers; a plurality of polyimide fibers; and a plurality of polymeric binder fibers; wherein the polymeric binder fibers have a melting point lower than the polyimide fibers; methods for forming the porous, compressible article; and articles containing the porous, compressible article. An article comprising a thermoformed dual matrix composite is also disclosed, wherein the composite exhibits a time to peak release, as measured by FAR 25.853 (OSU test), a 2 minute total heat release, as measured by FAR 25.853 (OSU test), and an NBS optical smoke density of less than 200 at 4 minutes, determined in accordance with ASTM E-662 (FAR/JAR 25.853).

Abstract: A structural reinforcing material and method of making the same is disclosed and described. The material is prepared by coating glass reinforcing fibers with a molten epoxy-based composition. The glass fiber reinforced material can then be formed into a preform suitable for injection molding into an expandable sealing baffle.

Abstract: A biodegradable composition includes: a polymer component including a first polymer of polybutylene-1,4-succinate (PBS); and a cross-linking agent capable of producing a free radical to allow the polymer component to be subjected to a free radical cross-linking reaction in such a condition that the biodegradable composition has a melt index ranging from 1.5 to 3.0.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a biomass composite composition and a foaming method thereof. The biomass composite composition includes (a) polyester alloy containing biodegradable polyester and petrochemical plastic, (b) reinforcing agent, (c) foaming agent, (d) compatibilizer, (e) lubricant, and (f) impact modifier. The biomass composite composition of the present invention is biodegradable and of heat resistance and melt strength suitable for manufacture of foam products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acrylic foam composition comprising an acrylic polymer and an acrylic processing aid which exhibits increased flexibility characteristics over other types of foam compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to microporous membranes comprising polyolefin, the use of such membranes as battery separators, and methods for producing such microporous membranes. In particular, the invention relates to microporous membranes having a shutdown temperature in the range of 120.0° C. to 130.0° C. and a maximum solid state heat shrinkage ?30.0%.

Abstract: Expandable composite resin particles for long-term storage, comprising 500 to 5000 ppm of water and 7.5 to 11.0% by weight of pentane in composite resin of polyolefin-based resin and polystyrene-based resin.

Abstract: A propylene polymer resin composition comprising 50-99 wt. % of a propylene polymer resin and 1-50 wt. % of an ethylene polymer resin, wherein said ethylene polymer resin has the following characteristics (A) through (E): (A) a density (d), as measured by a density gradient tube method according to JIS K6760, of 940-960 kg/m3; (B) a melt flow rate (MFR), as measured at 190° C. under a load of 2.16 kg, of 1-10 g/10 min.; (C) a frequency of terminal vinyl of not more than 0.2 per 1,000 carbon atoms; (D) a melt strength (MS160), as measured at 160° C., of at least 100 mN; and (E) an activation energy of flow (Ea) of not larger than 35 kJ/mol. The propylene polymer resin has high melt strength and exhibits enhanced fluidity, processability and shapability.

Abstract: Systems for bone fracture repair are disclosed. One system includes a biocompatible putty that may be packed about a bone fracture to provide full loadbearing capabilities within days. The disclosed putties create an osteoconductive scaffold for bone regeneration and degrade over time to harmless 5 resorbable byproducts. Fixation devices for contacting an endosteal wall of an intramedullary (IM) canal of a fractured bone are also disclosed. One such fixation device includes a woven elongated structure fabricated from resorbable polymer filaments. The woven elongated structure has resilient properties that allow the woven 10 structure to be radially compressed and delivered to the IM canal using an insertion tube. When the insertion tube is removed, the woven structure expands towards its relaxed cross-sectional width to engage the endosteal wall. The woven elongated structure is impregnated with a resorbable polymer resin that cures in situ, or in the IM canal.

Abstract: The invention relates to graft polyols with a bimodal particle size distribution and a total solid content of between 5 and 65 wt. %. Said polyols contain small particles with a particle diameter of between 0.05 and 0.7 ?m and large particles with a particle diameter of between 0.4 and 5.0 ?m, whereby the peaks of the large and small particles measured during a representation according to the light-scattering analysis method do not overlap. The total solid content with the defined particle sizes consists of a volumetric fraction of between 5 and 45% small particles and a volumetric fraction of between 95 and 55% large particles, said volumetric fractions totalling 100%. The invention also relates to a method for producing graft polyols of this type and to the use thereof for producing polyurethanes.

Abstract: Provided herein are skin substitutes suitable for use in a living subject for purpose of repairing damaged tissues, methods of producing the skin substitutes and their uses. A biocomposite membrane comprising poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL) and at least one material selected from collagen and gelatin is provided. In one embodiment, the biocomposite is a 2-component membrane of PCL and gelatin. In another embodiment, the biocomposite is a 3-component membrane of PCL, collagen and gelatin. The bio-composite membrane may be used directly in vivo as a wound dressing, or as a support for cell growth on each side of the membrane to produce an in vitro cultivated artificial skin for future in vivo and/or in vitro applications.

Abstract: Provided is a frame-retardant resin foam which is highly expanded and is satisfactorily flexible so as to conform even to a minute clearance. The resin foam includes a resin and a flame-retardant component, in which the flame-retardant component is a polysiloxane-coated flame retarder. In the resin foam, the polysiloxane-coated flame retarder is preferably a polysiloxane-coated metal hydroxide, and the polysiloxane-coated metal hydroxide is contained preferably in a content of 30 to 60 percent by weight based on the total weight of the resin foam.

Abstract: A biocompatible polymer mixture for use as a matrix for cellular attachment includes a mixture of at least two polymers selected from the group consisting of: chitosan (CS), polyethylenimine (PEI), poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA), poly(2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid)] (PHB), cellulose acetate (CA), poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). Implants making use of the polymer mixtures can support cell attachment, growth and differentiation, and tissue regeneration in vivo.

Abstract: Grafting polymer chains onto filler particles is an established methodology for creating superior polymer composite materials. Stereocomplexation is a non-bonded interaction between polymers that leads to a crystalline form having a higher melting temperature than the non-stereocomplexed form; stereocomplexed polymers often have superior properties compared to their non-stereocomplexed constituents. The present application discloses combining grafted filler particles with matrix materials in which the grafted polymer layer forms a stereocomplex with the polymer matrix. The resulting composite materials have properties which exceed both filled polymer systems and stereocomplexed polymers.

Abstract: Cell nucleation compositions and pellets, methods for making same, methods and compositions for making polymer foam, and polymer foams made by the methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite polymer modifiers for thermo-plastic resins, and especially for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The composite modifier is an intimate blend of mineral filler and polymeric process aid, which is formed by the co-powderization of aqueous emulsions, suspensions or slurries of one or more mineral filler(s) and process aid(s). The resulting composite modifier provides more effective modification of the thermoplastic resin than by the use of the dried components formed separately. The composite modifier may also contain other co-powderized components such as impact modifiers, for additional benefits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic molding compositions composed of the following components: (A) at least one polyarylene ether (A1) having an average of at most 0.1 phenolic end groups per polymer chain, and at least one polyarylene ether (A2) having an average of at least 1.5 phenolic end groups per polymer chain, (B) at least one fibrous or particulate filler, and (C) optionally further additives and/or processing aids. The present invention further relates to a process for producing the thermoplastic molding compositions of the invention, the use of these for producing moldings, fibers, foams, or films, and to the resultant moldings, fibers, foams, and films.

Abstract: A bale of elastomer composite is formed of elastomer and filler; the bale having a void volume of at least 3%. In another aspect, a container is provided, at least a portion of the container being occupied by elastomer composite pieces of elastomer and filler, wherein the occupied portion of the container has a void volume of at least 3%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin foam having a resin compositional homogeneity throughout the entirety from a surface to an inside thereof, having a surface with a 60° gloss value based on JIS Z 8741 (1997) of 1.5 or more, and having a 25% compressive load based on JIS K 6767 (1999) of 2.00 N/cm2 or less.

Abstract: A foamed article comprising a polyolefin resin composition (I) comprising a polyvinyl alcohol fiber (A), a polyolefin resin (B), and an unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified polyolefin resin and/or an unsaturated carboxylic acid derivative-modified polyolefin resin (C); the polyvinyl alcohol fiber (A) being present in an amount of 1 to 70 mass %, the polyolefin resin (B) being present in an amount of 20 to 98.5 mass %, and the modified polyolefin resin (C) being present in an amount of 0.5 to 40 mass % with respect to the total amount of the polyvinyl alcohol fiber (A), the polyolefin resin (B), and the modified polyolefin resin (C); the foamed article having an expansion ratio ranging from 1.3 to 5; the polyvinyl alcohol fiber (A) comprising polyvinyl alcohol filaments (A-I) and a sizing agent (A-II), the sizing agent (A-II) being present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the polyvinyl alcohol filaments (A-I).

Abstract: The present invention is an article of a film or sheet or a laminate of the film or sheet with nonwoven facing layer(s). The film or sheet is a blended compound of selectively hydrogenated thermoplastic block copolymer, a tackifying resin, and polyolefin and/or polystyrene, that has superior tensile strength and a good balance of good elasticity, low stiffness and good adhesion.

Abstract: A resin composition for pressure-foam molding, which comprises an ethylene-based copolymer and a foaming agent, wherein the ethylene-based copolymer has monomer units derived from ethylene and monomer units derived from an a-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, has a melt flow rate of 0.01 to 0.7 g/10 minutes, a molecular weight distribution of 5 or more determined by a gel permeation chromatography, an activation energy of flow of 40 kJ/mol or more, and inflection points of 3 or less on a melting curve within temperature range from 25° C. to the end point of melting obtained by a differential scanning calorimetry; a foam obtained by press foaming; and a process for producing the foam.

Abstract: Single-layer or multilayer, biaxially oriented, microporous foil having a shut-off function, which comprises propylene homopolymer and propylene block copolymer, polyethylene and ?-nucleating agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to microporous polymeric membranes suitable for use as battery separator film. The invention also relates to a method for producing such membranes, batteries containing such membranes as battery separators, methods for making such batteries, and methods for using such batteries.

Abstract: A foamed polyolefin composition comprising (all percent amounts being by weight): A) 50%-90% of a polypropylene component; and B) 10%-50% of a copolymer component of ethylene and at least one C3-C10 ?-olefin, the copolymer containing from 15% to 50% of ethylene, and optionally minor amounts of a diene; the said amounts of (A) and (B) being referred to the total weight of (A) and (B); said composition having at least one of the following features i) and ii), or both: i) a Polydispersity Index of component (A) of 4 or more; ii) a value of viscosity [?] of the fraction soluble in xylene at room temperature equal to or higher than 3.5 dl/g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic molding compositions comprising the following components: (A) at least one polyarylene ether, (B) at least one hyperbranched polymer selected from hyperbranched polycarbonates and hyperbranched polyesters, (C) optionally at least one fibrous or particulate filler, and (D) optionally further additives and/or processing aids. The present invention further relates to a process for producing the thermoplastic molding compositions of the invention, to their use for producing moldings, fibers, foams, films, or membranes, and to the resultant moldings, fibers, foams, films, and membranes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic molding compositions comprising the following components: (A1) at least one polyarylene ether having an average of at most 0.5 phenolic end groups per polymer chain, (A2) optionally at least one polyarylene ether having an average of at least 1.5 phenolic end groups per polymer chain, (B) at least one polyarylene sulfide, (C) at least one hyperbranched polymer selected from hyperbranched polycarbonates and hyperbranched polyesters, (D) optionally at least one functionalized polyarylene ether comprising carboxy groups, (E) optionally at least one fibrous or particulate filler, and (F) optionally further additives and/or processing aids. The present invention further relates to a process for producing the thermoplastic molding compositions of the invention, to the use of these for producing moldings, fibers, foams, or films, and to the resultant moldings, fibers, foams, and films.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a polycyanurate foam with a structural element A and either terminal amino groups and/or at least one of the following structural elements B, C, or D: wherein the foam has closed pores that contain carbon dioxide. This foam can be produced in that a substance is worked into the starting material for the polycyanurate that releases water or alcohol approximately at the start of polymerization either spontaneously or thermally or catalytically induced. The water/alcohol reacts with free cyanate groups under cleavage of CO2. The resulting amino groups can react further in the polymerization.

Abstract: Provided herein are bimodal porous polymer microspheres comprising macropores and micropores. Also provided herein are methods and apparatus for fabrication such microspheres. Further provided herein are methods of using bimodal porous polymer microspheres.

Abstract: Foamable compositions which are usable for the manufacture of foamed, flexible, heat resistant, thermoplastic elastomeric articles, and which comprises at least: (a) 100 pbw of one or more selectively hydrogenated block copolymers, (b) 5 to 50 pbw per 100 pbw of component (a) of one or more different selectively hydrogenated block copolymers, (c) 42 to 80 pbw per 100 pbw of component (a) of a linear crystalline polymer comprising propylene as the major component, (d) from 100 to 250 pbw per 100 pbw of component (a) of a softener compatible with blocks B and B?, and (e) from 0.01 to 3 wt. %, relative to the weight of the primary components (a) to (e) of a solid chemical nucleating agent of the endothermic group in combination with a blowing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer membrane composition having improved water flux and stable pore size. The water flux is improved by increasing the hydrophilicity of the membrane using a matrix polymer blended with controlled architecture amphiphilic block copolymers. Preferred membranes are those having a fluoropolymer matrix and acrylic amphiphilic block copolymers. The addition of the amphiphilic block copolymers are especially useful in microfiltration and ultra filtration membranes when used in water filtration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyolefin resin composition which is excellent in mechanical properties and dimensional stability and is particularly excellent in heat resistance, a film which is excellent in mechanical properties, dimensional stability and heat resistance because it is obtained from the polyolefin resin composition and which is particularly excellent in meltdown properties, a macroporous membrane which is excellent in permeability and shutdown properties in addition to the above properties, and uses thereof. The polyolefin resin composition of the present invention (C) comprises 85 to 50% by mass of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene (A) having a specific intrinsic viscosity and 15 to 50% by mass of a polymer (B) containing a repeating unit derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene, in 100% by mass of the polyolefin resin composition (C).

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide foaming polypropylene resin compositions that are suited for injection foam molding, have excellent balance between flowability and melt tension, are foamable at high expansion ratio, and can give lightweight molded foams having excellent appearance and mechanical strength. Another object is to provide injection-molded foams using the compositions. A foaming polypropylene resin composition of the invention includes: 50 to 90 parts by weight of a high-molecular weight component-containing impact polypropylene (AB); 10 to 30 parts by weight of a rubber component (C); and 0 to 20 parts by weight of an inorganic filler (D) (wherein the total of (AB), (C) and (D) is 100 parts by weight); and the high-molecular weight component-containing impact polypropylene (AB) contains 4.5 to 31.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of three components in the joint extrusion with an organic polymer OP in order to facilitate higher throughput in the production of polymeric articles and profiles in extruders; the first component being a propylene-olefin-copolymer wax; the second component being a montan wax, an amide wax or a polyolefin homopolymer wax, and the third component being a metal salt of a C10-20 fatty acid; the three components can also be used in form of a composition, the composition being in the form of a masterbatch or of a compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing biodegradable polymer stereocomplexes using a supercritical fluid-organic solvent system and polymer stereocomplexes prepared by such methods. The method of the present invention involves introducing two types of homopolymers having different stereostructures and a small amount of organic solvent into a reactor, adding a supercritical fluid thereto, followed by applying a specific temperature and pressure to form a polymer stereocomplex having a crystalline structure. According to the method of the present invention, biodegradable polymer stereocomplexes in the form of powder or porous foam having excellent thermal and mechanical stabilities can be prepared in a simple, economical and environmentally-friendly manner in a single process.

Abstract: There is provided a resin composition for a foamed resin by generating bubbles, the resin composition made of a blend of a base resin and a polymer material other than the base resin, the polymer material dispersed in the base resin, in which: the bubbles are generated at circumference of the dispersed polymer material by infusing a foaming gas into the resin composition at a predetermined processing temperature; and melting point or glass transition temperature of the polymer material is between melting point of the base resin and the processing temperature.

Abstract: Closed cell polyamide foams are prepared by subjecting a polyamide resin to inert gases at an elevated pressure and at a temperature above the softening point of the resin and reducing the pressure while the temperature is maintained above the softening point of the resin, resulting in expansion of the resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crosslinkable and expandable elastomeric material based on and/or containing siloxane polymer, the process for manufacturing of such material and the use of such material and its blends and composites.

Abstract: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, a polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer, and optionally, an infrared attenuating agent, are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the blowing agent includes at least one hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent. The maleic anhydride-styrene copolymer grafted with polyethylene oxide provides a water vapor permeability of 1.1 perm inch or greater in the extruded foam product without detrimentally affecting physical or thermal properties of the product. Additionally, the copolymer of maleic anhydride-styrene grafted with polyethylene oxide has a positive affect on the processability of the blowing agent(s) in the composition by both widening the process window and enhancing the solubility of the blowing agent in the polymer melt. Thus, the polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer present in the inventive composition acts as a cell enlarger, a plasticizer, and a processing aid.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising the steps of (1) heating dynamically (A) a defined ethylene-?-olefin random copolymer rubber, (B) a propylene homopolymer, or a defined copolymer of propylene with ethylene and/or an ?-olefin, (C) a mineral oil softener, and (D) a crosslinking agent, and (2) melt-kneading the resultant product with a defined polypropylene resin (E); and a process for producing a foamed thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising the further step of melt-kneading said thermoplastic elastomer composition with (F) a foaming agent.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an ionomer resin capable of forming a polyolefin molded product having well-balanced two properties of molding processability and mechanical property, a resin composition including the ionomer resin and a molded product formed from the ionomer resin or the resin composition. [Solution to problem] An ionomer resin (X1) formed from 100 parts by weight of (A) an olefin polymer having constitutional units derived from an ?-olefin of 2 to 20 carbon atoms and having a functional group (a) and 0.01 to 100 parts by weight of (B) a metal salt having two or more functional groups (b).

Abstract: Provided is a modified blowing agent, wherein the surface of a blowing agent powder is coated with a metallic siloxylated compound. When the modified blowing agent is included in a polymer resin, dispersibility of the modified blowing agent is excellent in the polymer resin and fluidity of the polymer resin is improved in an extrusion molding machine and an injection molding machine, and thus productivity and processability can be improved. In addition, the foam that is formed using the polymer resin composition including the modified blowing agent has excellent tear strength, durability, and masking sound properties due to fine and uniform size of foam cells and increased number of foam cells per unit surface area.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising at least the following components: A) an olefin-based polymer, B) a functionalized polydimethysiloxane, and C) a foaming agent comprising at least one organic compound.

Abstract: To be provided is a foam waterproofing material superior in waterproofness and flexible enough to be compatible with further minute clearance. The foam waterproofing material according to the present invention is a waterproofing material including a foam having a thickness of 0.1 to 1.0 mm, characterized in that the foam has a micro cell structure with an average cell diameter of 10 to 60 ?m and an apparent density of 0.01 to 0.050 g/cm3. In the foam waterproofing material, the repulsive load when compressed to 0.1 mm (0.1 mm-compressive repulsion force) of the foam is preferably 0.01 to 0.1 MPa. The foam preferably has a closed-cell structure or a semi-open and semi-closed-cell structure. In addition, the foam may have a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one or both faces thereof. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is preferably formed on the foam via a film layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising blends of alkenyl aromatic polymers such as styrenic polymers (i.e. PS and HIPS) and bio-based or biodegradable polymers (i.e. PLA, PGA, PHA, PBS, PCL) compatibilized with styrene-based copolymers (i.e. styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymers, maleated SEBS, styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate (SMMA) copolymer) or a mixture of two or more styrene-based copolymers such as SEBS and SMA. These novel compositions can be extruded and thermoformed to produce very low density food service and consumer foam articles such as plates, hinged lid containers, trays, bowls, and egg cartons with good mechanical properties.

Abstract: A porous membrane with the membrane wall constructed of a hydrophobic polymer and a hydrophilic polymer, wherein when the membrane wall is divided into 3 sections in the film thickness direction to form region “a” containing one wall surface A of the membrane wall, region “c” containing the other wall surface C and region “b” between region “a” and region “c”, the hydrophilic polymer content ratio Ca in region “a” is greater than the hydrophilic polymer content ratio Cc in region “c”, and the mean pore size of the wall surface C is larger than the mean pore size of the wall surface A.

Abstract: Provided is a microporous film which is made of a thermoplastic resin composition comprising (a) 100 parts by mass of a polypropylene resin and (b) 5 to 90 parts by mass of a polyphenylene ether resin, and which has a sea island structure comprising a sea portion comprising the polypropylene resin as a principal component and an island portion comprising the polyphenylene ether resin as a principal component, wherein pores are formed at an interface between the sea portion and the island portion and within the sea portion.

Abstract: The present invention has its object to provide a masterbatch for foam molding, which can be suitably used for molding processes involving high shearing force, such as kneading molding, calender molding, extrusion molding, and injection molding, which shows a high expansion ratio, and which yields a foamed product with a good appearance. The present invention also has its object to provide a foamed product using the masterbatch for foam molding. A masterbatch for foam molding comprises a base resin and a thermally expandable microcapsule, the base resin being a thermoplastic resin having a melting point of 100° C. or higher, the masterbatch containing 10 to 230 parts by weight of the thermally expandable microcapsule to 100 parts by weight of the base resin, and the masterbatch having a true density of 0.80 g/cm3 or more, a bulk density of 0.35 g/cm3 or more, and a masterbatch size of 450 mg/30 pieces or more.

Abstract: A resin composition for cross-linking foam molding having a polymer composition which comprises 100 parts by weight of the following component (A) and 0.5 to 20 parts by weight of the following component (B); a foaming agent; and a cross-linking agent, wherein the component (A) is an ethylene-based polymer satisfying the following conditions (a1) to (a2): (a1) the density is 860 to 935 kg/m3, and (a2) the melt flow rate (MFR) is 0.1 to 10 g/10 minutes, and the component (B) is an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer satisfying the following conditions (b1) to (b3): (b1) the density is 890 to 925 kg/m3, (b2) the intrinsic viscosity [?] determined in a tetralin solution is 4 to 15 dL/g, and (b3) the activation energy of flow (Ea) is less than 50 kJ/mol.