Abstract: A foamed starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder in the presence of a blowing agent. The foams are biodegradable.

Abstract: To provide a flexible polyurethane foam having good vibration characteristics and suitable particularly for a seat for an automobile. A flexible polyurethane foam obtained by reacting a polyol composition with a polyisocyanate compound in the presence of a catalyst, a blowing agent and a foam stabilizer, characterized in that the polyol composition comprises a high molecular weight polyoxyalkylene polyol (A) and a polymer-dispersed polyol (C) containing fine polymer particles in a high molecular weight polyoxyalkylene polyol (B), and at least part of the fine polymer particles are fine polymer particles obtained by polymerizing a monomer containing a fluorinated acrylate or a fluorinated methacrylate.

Abstract: An extruded, low density, ethylenic polymer foam including from about 86% by volume to about 98% by volume open cells and a continuous, impervious surface skin is disclosed. The foam possesses superior compression recovery and lower compression resistance when compared with similarly comprised ethylenic closed cell foams and superior moisture resistance and handling characteristics when compared to open cell foams. A precursor composition and method for making the extruded, low density, ethylenic polymer foam are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment is provided a polymer blend of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), wherein the poly(vinylacetate) is present in an amount ranging between about 20 wt % and about 80 wt %, and poly(acrylic acid) is present in an amount ranging between about 80 wt % and about 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the blend. In another embodiment is provided a fiber produced from this polymer blend, and which has cells therein. In another embodiment is provided a flavorant release material comprising the porous fiber disclosed herein, and one or more flavorants disposed in a longitudinally extending core within the fiber. In another embodiment is provided a polymer fiber membrane containing a hollow, porous fiber formed from the polymer blend disclosed herein. In another embodiment is provided a filter containing the fiber described herein.

Abstract: The invention mainly concerns a biocompatible and biodegradable porous matrix, characterized in that it is made of a three-block sequenced copolymer of formula (I): X G Y (I), wherein: G is a non-hydroxylated hydrophilic linear block, and X and Y represent respectively a hydrophobic linear polyester block. The invention further concerns the use of said matrix for coating tissue reconstruction after loss of substance or bioactive dressings.

Abstract: A polycarbonate foam that is a thermoplastic resin foam suitable for a backlight or a lighting box of an electric signboard, a luminaire, a display, and the like, has both high optical reflectivity and shape-retaining property, and has a short production cycle time. A polycarbonate foam contains a polycarbonate (A) and a fluorinated polycarbonate (B) and has a plurality of pores with a mean bubble diameter of 10 micrometers or less within. The foam is manufactured by a manufacturing method including holding a resin sheet containing the polycarbonate (A) and the fluorinated polycarbonate (B) in a pressurized inert gas atmosphere and incorporating the inert gas into the resin sheet, and heating the resin sheet incorporated with the inert gas to a temperature equal to or higher than a softening temperature of the polycarbonate under ambient pressure and foaming the resin sheet.

Abstract: Micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure of cells are provided. Also provided is a method of producing micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure comprising: (1) forming a homogenous solution by heating a mixture of a high molecular weight polymer and a low molecular weight material, wherein said low molecular weight material makes up at least about 50% by weight of the homogenous solution, (2) forming a dispersed solution by dispersing the homogenous solution formed in step (1) into an inert material, (3) cooling the dispersed solution to cause the high molecular weight polymer to phase separate from the low molecular weight material, (4) forming solid particles comprised of said low molecular weight material trapped inside a structure of cells of said high molecular weight polymer, and (5) removing the solid particles from the dispersed solution.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions comprising a high molecular weight acrylic copolymer and a low molecular weight copolymer are disclosed. Adhesive articles and methods of making adhesive compositions and articles are also described.

Abstract: A microporous film made of a composition containing A) 100 to 60 parts by weight of a polypropylene homopolymer, B) 0 to 40 parts by weight of a low density polyethylene or a polyethylene copolymer with butene, hexene or octene, and C) 0.005 to 0.5% by weight, relative to the weight of component A), of at least one beta-nucleating agent selected from the class consisting of organic compounds containing trisamide moieties; the film having a water vapor-permeability of ?200 g/m2 d at 23° C./50% r.h. or ?800 g/m2 d at 23° C./85% r.h.

Abstract: This invention relates to films having selective permeability and/or permeation rates for different gases, liquids, particulate matter, and combinations thereof. The films may be employed as packaging films or separation membranes. The films may be comprised of at least one layer including one or more high permeability polymers blended with one or more low permeability polymers. Blending of different amounts and combinations of low and high permeability polymers may provide a method by which individual permeation and permeation rates can be increased or decreased, and made selective for one or more gasses, liquids, particulate matter or combinations thereof. Methods for making such films are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curable composition comprising at least one type of non-charged curable monomer, at least one type of anionic curable monomer, at least one type of cationic compound having a molecular weight of at least 150 Da and a solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous membrane obtainable by polymerizing a curable composition comprising at least one type of curable compound, water and at least one type of chain transfer agent having a chain transfer constant of more than 0.1 with styrene, methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate or acrylonitrile. The invention further relates to image recording materials, in which these membranes are used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ethylene vinyl acetate based polymer foams with low density and superior injection molding characteristics, a preparation method thereof and a material for medical and health-care use using the same, more particularly to ethylene vinyl acetate based polymer foams with low density prepared by blending, masticating, pelletizing and foaming a matrix resin comprising ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) resin and ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) resin under specific condition, which has low density and superior injection molding characteristics and improved biocompatibility to human body, making them a useful environment-friendly material and particularly applicable to medical or health-care use, a preparation method thereof and a material for medical and health-care use using the same.

Abstract: Crosslinked foams having high filler loadings, which may be formed from A) a polyolefin having a crystallinity of 21 percent or less, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of less than 15 mole percent, or a combination thereof; B) a polyolefin having a viscosity between 500 and 20,000 cP, as measured using ASTM D1084 (Brookfield Viscosity at 350° F.); and C) a filler, wherein the crosslinked foam includes from 10 to 80 parts filler per hundred parts of components A, B, and C, by weight. In other aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, the crosslinked foam may optionally include one or more of: D) at least one polyolefin having a crystallinity of greater than 21 weight percent, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of 15 mole percent or greater, or a combination thereof; and E) a scorch retarder.

Abstract: A macroporous cryogen is disclosed which has grafted thereon polymer chains formed by polymerizing at least one monomer of the general formula (I) CR1R2=CR3R4 (I) wherein R1 and R2 are equal of different and each represents a hydrogen atom or substituent group which is not detrimental to the polymerization reaction; and R3 and R4 each represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent group which is not detrimental to the polymerization reaction, provided that R3 and R4 are not both a hydrogen atom, on said macroporous cryogel. A method for the preparation of said macroporous cryogel by graft (co)polymerization and the use of said macroporous cryogel in a separation process are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-temperature resistant, rigid, but flexible and low density foamed cellular material comprised of polyester blend consisting of from about 80 to about 98 weight percent of high viscosity polyethylene terephtalat (I.V.=1.0-1.9 dl/g) and from about 2 to about 20, preferably to about 5, weight percent of polycarbonate with average MW higher than 4000 g/mol.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixtures of compounds of the formulae (I), (III), (IV), and/or (V), in which n is an average chain length of from 0 to 10, A1 and A2 are identical or different and, independently of one another, are C(?O)NHR5, C(?O)R5, CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3, CH(CH3)2, CH2(CH2)2CH3, CH2CH(CH3)2, C(CH3)3, C6H5, and/or CH2—C6H5, R1 is a moiety of the formula (II), in which k is an average chain length of from 0 to 5; R2 is CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3, CH2(CH3)2, CH2(CH2)2CH3, CH2CH(CH3)2, C(CH3)3, C6H5, or CH2—C6H5; OCH3, OCH2CH3, O(CH2)2CH3, OCH(CH3)2, O(CH2)3CH3, OCH2CH(CH3)2, OC(CH3)3, O—C6H5, or O—CH2—C6H4, R3, R4, R5 are identical or different and, independently of one another, are CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3, CH(CH3)2, CH2(CH2)2CH3, CH2Ch(CH3)2, C(CH3)3, C6H5, and/or CH2—C6H5 and where at least 2 compounds of the formulae (I), (III), (IV), or (V) are simultaneously present in the mixture; to a process for their preparation, and to their use as flame retardants.

Abstract: The invention is an energy absorbing member comprising, an amorphous thermoplastic cellular polymer in contact with a structural element, wherein at least about 50% of the cells of the amorphous cellular polymer are closed cells and the closed cells have a gas pressure that is about 0.5 atmosphere to about 1.4 atmospheres at ambient temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microporous membrane which comprises polyethylene, the microporous membrane having a differential pore volume curve with an area under the curve over the range of pore diameters of from about 100 nm to about 1,000 nm that is 25% or more of a total area under the curve over the range of pore diameters of from about 10 nm to about 1,000 nm.

Abstract: A halogenated polymer containing a functionalized polymer and optionally a blowing agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyurethane foam manufactured from a polyisocyanate and a polycarbonate polyol. Moreover, the invention provides a method of manufacturing the polyurethane foam manufactured from a polyisocyanate and a polycarbonate polyol, comprising mixing the polyisocyanate and polycarbonate polyol together and foaming same.

Abstract: Propylene homopolymers or copolymers containing up to 5.0 wt % of alpha-olefin units having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms other than propylene, characterized in that said propylene homopolymers or copolymers have Polydispersity Index value higher than 15, Melt Strength higher than 1.50 cN at 230° C. and Melt Flow Rate (ISO1133, 230° C./2.16 Kg) from 0.01 to 20 g/10 min.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a foam having reduced hardness and density, and an improved resistance to compression set, as well as a foam composition for producing such a foam. This object is achieved by a foam composition described below. The foam composition of the present invention comprises a thermoplastic elastomer which has a side chain containing imino group and/or a nitrogen-containing heterocycle, and a carbonyl-containing group; and a blowing agent.

Abstract: A nanoporous material exhibiting a lamellar structure is disclosed. The material comprises three or more substantially parallel sheets of an organosilicate material, separated by highly porous spacer regions. The distance between the centers of the sheets lies between 1 nm and 50 nm. The highly porous spacer regions may be substantially free of condensed material. For the manufacture of such materials, a process is disclosed in which matrix non-amphiphilic polymeric material and templating polymeric material are dispersed in a solvent, where the templating polymeric material includes a polymeric amphiphilic material. The solvent with the polymeric materials is distributed onto a substrate. Organization is induced in the templating polymeric material. The solvent is removed, leaving the polymeric materials in place. The matrix polymeric material is cured, forming a lamellar structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blown film made of a composition comprising a) a propylene heterophasic copolymer (A) with a matrix propylene polymer and an ethylene-propylene-rubber characterized in that the film has been monoaxially oriented in the machine direction with a stretch ratio of 1:1.1 to 1:10, to a process for making such a film, to the use of said composition in making such a film, and to an article comprising such a film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foam which has been made hydrophobic/oleophobic and comprises a foam matrix having open cells and having an impregnation which is made up essentially of a polyvinylidene halide (co)polymer which may optionally comprise further substituents and, if appropriate, additionally a fluorocarbon resin and/or silicone resin. The invention further relates to a process for producing this foam.

Abstract: A biocompatible non-memory expandable polymeric article selected from stents, implantable prostheses, catheters, other surgical articles and sealants for implantable prostheses, and which is at least in part biodegradable and includes a combination where hollow cylindrical element (2) is depicted in cutaway form to reveal helical element (4), terminated schematically at (6) and where a combination of at least one thermoplastic elastomeric component and at least one thermoplastic non-elastomeric component, the article being either porous articles or having the potential to become porous by action of body fluids in situ), the thermoplastic non-elastomeric component being present in such an amount as will provide mechanical strength and rigidity to the article when in an expanded mode.

Abstract: Compositions comprising blends of polyphenylene and poly(aryl ether sulfone) and methods for making such blends are disclosed. Miscible blends of polyphenylene and poly(aryl ether sulfone) are also disclosed. The blends are useful in numerous applications such as in the preparation of articles and of foams having reduced density.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microporous films comprising polymer blends comprising at least two polymers and a compatibilizer. The films may also comprise at least one ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer and two different polyolefins which can be homopolymers. The ethylene/?-olefin interpolymers are block copolymers comprising at least a hard block and at least a soft block. In some embodiments, the ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer can function as a compatibilizer between the two polyolefins which may not be otherwise compatible. Methods of making the polymer blends and microporous films made from the polymer blends are also described.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for extruding a PLA resin using high levels of CO2. Excellent quality, low density foam is produced easily and reproducibly. The foams arc capable of being heat-annealed to induce significant crystallinity, even when an ordinarily amorphous PLA resin is used.

Abstract: A foamed polymeric composition contains polypropylene and polyethylene components. The composition may have a gel content of about 10 to about 95 wt. %, per ASTM D 2765-01, method A, a density of about 16 kg/m3 to about 640 kg/m3 and a tensile elongation of at least about 200% at 150° C. per ASTM-1708-02a, speed D. Such a composition can be produced by adding an activatable foaming agent to a base resin that contains polypropylene and polyethylene components and silane functional groups, reacting the functional groups to cause cross-linking to a gel content of about 10% to about 95%, and foaming the cross-linked base resin. Alternatively, a composition may be made by adding an activatable foaming agent to the base resin, irradiating the base resin to cross-link to the stated gel content, and foaming the cross-linked base resin. Articles may be made by molding, shaping or forming such compositions.

Abstract: Aqueous-based, dispersed olefin polymers, froths, durable, open-cell foam compositions, structures and articles derived from same; methods for preparation of such froths and foams; and use of the dry durable foams in various applications are disclosed. Further described is use of the foams and structures and articles made of same in absorption, filtration, insulation, cushioning and backing applications, and in particular for odor removal, hygiene and medical applications due to, among other properties, good absorption capabilities, softness and/or flexibility of the foams and their recyclable nature.

Abstract: A composition comprising: A) 50-99.9% by weight of at least a copolymer (1) of ethylene (E) with chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) wherein CTFE is comprised between 53 and 70% by moles, having a crystallinity in the range 5-45%; B) 0.1-50% by weight of a fine powder of a nucleating agent, having an average particle size lower than 50 micron and a melting temperature higher than 300° C.

Abstract: A composition including an effective amount of trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene component combined with an effective amount of an alcohol selected from the group of methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, isobutanol, 2-ethyl hexanol and any combination thereof, where the composition has azeotropic properties.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a first portion having a lower ground engaging surface, an upper surface, and a recess formed in the upper surface. The upper surface of the first portion is in contact with the upper. A second portion is seated in the recess in the first portion and has an upper surface, with the upper surface of the second portion being in contact with the upper. The second portion comprises a foam material having a density less than 0.25 g/cm3.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molded porous body with very small air bubbles distributed therein as well as a filter using the porous body. The present invention is related to a porous body comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene-based resin and a thermoplastic resin other than the polytetrafluoroethylene-based resin, and having a specific gravity exceeding 1.80 but less than 2.18 and a percent conversion to crystals of not higher than 50%.

Abstract: A material and an associated method of formation. A self-assembling block copolymer that includes a first block species and a second block species respectively characterized by a volume fraction of F1 and F2 with respect to the self-assembling block copolymer is provided. At least one crosslinkable polymer that is miscible with the second block species is provided. The self-assembling block copolymer and the at least one crosslinkable polymer are combined to form a mixture. The mixture having a volume fraction, F3, of the crosslinkable polymer, a volume fraction, F1A, of the first block species, and a volume fraction, F2A, of the second block species is formed. A material having a predefined morphology where the sum of F2A and F3 were preselected is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophilic crosslinked polymer, preferably in the form of porous particles, and to the preparation and use thereof. The polymer according to the invention is produced by polymerisation from chain-forming hydrophilic vinyl ethers and crosslinking, preferably heterocyclic divinyl ethers.

Abstract: The present invention provides sintered polymeric materials and methods of making the same which are useful in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a sintered polymeric material comprising at least one plastic and at least one elastomer.

Abstract: Precursors are provided for dielectric compositions that are useful in the manufacture of electronic devices such as integrated circuit devices and integrated circuit packaging devices. The dielectric compositions are prepared by crosslinking a thermally decomposable porogen to a host polymer via a coupling agent, followed by heating to a temperature suitable to decompose the porogen. The porous materials that result have dielectric constants of less than 2.4.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an ethylene polymer, a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinking agent, and optionally a foaming agent wherein the ethylene polymer includes ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene, ethylene acid copolymer, ionomer of the acid copolymer, ethylene alkyl(meth)acrylate copolymer, or combinations of two or more thereof; the thermoplastic elastomer can include copolyetherester, copolyetheramide, elastomeric polyolefin, styrene diene block copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethane, or combinations of two or more thereof; and the crosslinking agent includes one or more organic peroxides, irradiation, or combinations thereof. Also disclosed is a product made from the composition such as foam for shoe applications.

Abstract: A novel flexible polyurethane foam having good vibration characteristics and being excellent in occupant posture stability, is provided. A flexible polyurethane foam obtainable by reacting a high molecular weight polyoxyalkylene polyol or a polymer-dispersed polyol containing fine polymer particles in the high molecular weight polyoxyalkylene polyol, with a polyisocyanate compound in the presence of a catalyst, a blowing agent and a foam stabilizer, characterized in that as at least a part of the foam stabilizer, the following fluorinated compound (F) is used in an amount of from 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of particular blends of LLDPE and LDPE together with specific fabrication conditions to make foamed sheets of thin gauge with MD tear properties similar to an equivalent gauge non-foamed sheet of the same composition. In particular, blends which combine a high MI LLDPE rich fraction with a low MI branched LDPE minor fraction provide the adequate balance of mechanical strength of the polymer base with its melt strength, extensibility and stress relaxation, allowing a thin foam film with MD tear strength which is comparable to non foamed counterparts of similar gauge and composition. The foamed films of the present invention are thin (generally from about 1 to 10 mils thick), and have an MD tear strength of at least about 160 grams for a 3 mil film as measured by ASTM D 1922. The foamed films of the present invention are preferably made at least in part from blends which comprise from 10 to 95 percent by weight of LLDPE having a relatively high (1.

Abstract: Hydrophobic, asymmetric membranes are formed integrally from elastomeric polymers. The membranes have a dense, discriminating layer and a thick, porous support layer and require not other support. The membranes of the invention provide an economic advantage over prior art composite membranes used for separating target organics from a mixture.

Abstract: A low-k organic dielectric material having stable nano-sized porous is provided as well as a method of fabricating the same. The porous low-k organic dielectric material is made from a composition of matter having a vitrification temperature (Tv-comp) which includes a b-staged thermosetting resin having a vitrification temperate (Tv-resin), a pore generating material, and a reactive additive. The reactive additive lowers Tv-comp below Tv-resin.

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: Olefin polymer-based, durable, open-cell foam compositions, structures and articles derived from same; methods for preparation of such foams; and use of the dry durable foams in various applications are disclosed. Further described is use of the foams and structures and articles made of same in absorption, filtration, insulation, cushioning and backing applications, and in particular for odor removal, hygiene and medical applications due to, among other properties, good absorption capabilities, softness and/or flexibility of the foams and their recyclable nature.

Abstract: A cured composition is prepared by curing a composition that includes an alkyl styrene and a low molecular weight, bifunctional poly(arylene ether). The curable composition can be prepared and processed at substantially lower temperatures than prior art poly(arylene ether) thermosets. The cured composition exhibits an improved balance of heat resistance, impact strength, and dielectric properties, making it particularly suitable for the fabrication of electronic components.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a composition and a process for forming a flexible polyurethane foam sealing device having improved compression set properties at increased temperatures. The sealing device is formed without the use of chemical blowing agents. The composition includes an isocyanate component for reaction with a resin component comprising an isocyanate-reactive component having a functionality of least four and a hydroxyl number of less than 40, a graft dispersion, and a physical blowing agent. The most preferred physical blowing agent is HFC-245 fa or 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane.

Abstract: A specific relationship must be met in case of: (a) a structural unit derived from propylene is present in 100 to 85 mole %, and a structural unit derived from ethylene and/or alpha-olefin with 4 to 20 carbons is present in 0 to 15 mole %; (b) a content of a position irregularity unit based on 2, 1-insertion of a propylene monomer unit in all propylene insertions, which is measured by 13C-NMR, is 0.5% to 2.0% and a content of a position irregularity unit based on 1,3-insertion of propylene monomer unit in all propylene insertions, which is measured by 13C-NMR, is 0.005% to 0.4%; and (c) a water vapor transmission rate is Y [g/m2/24 hr] as film and a melting point Tm[° C.] shows specific relationship.