Abstract: Disclosed is a concentrate useful as an additive in a polyester composition comprising a polyolefin and a polyfunctional carboxylic acid or polyol branching agent. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a polyester composition having increased melt viscosity and melt strength, and improved impact strength which comprises the steps ofA) melt compounding a polyolefin and a polyfunctional carboxylic acid or polyol branching agent,B) dry blending the melt compounded mixture formed in A) with a polyester, andC) molding or extruding the dry blended mixture formed into B) to form an article.

Abstract: This invention is a composition, a kit to prepare the composition, cellular sheet made from the composition and thermoformed articles made from the sheet, in which the composition comprises polyethylene terephthalate, sufficient inert gas to give a sheet density of 0.4 to 1.25 gm/cc, a polytetrafluoroethylene nucleating agent and optionally a polyolefin additive and a heat stabilizer.

Abstract: A foamed plastic manufactured by foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic is less than atmospheric pressure, is disclosed. Further, a foamed plastic manufactured by hermetically sealing with an airtight film and foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in a gap region between the airtight film and the foamed plastic and the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic are less than atmospheric pressure is disclosed. Further, a method of manufacturing foamed plastic comprising foaming a mixture of a volatile polymerizable foaming agent and a resin, and irradiating the foamed plastic with an energy beam.

Abstract: A label for containers comprises a foamed polyester film that has a density of less than 1 g/cm.sup.3. The foamed polyester film may be blown away in air and then floated away in water during the recycle process for containers. After separation from the containers the foamed polyester film may be reclaimed by a chemical process to recover raw materials for polyesters.

Abstract: A low-density, porous material is prepared by mixing together microballoons and an oligomeric precursor to a polyetherimide polymer. The oligomeric precursor has an initial viscosity sufficiently low that it can flow and wet the microballoons when first heated to a polymerization processing temperature, and thereafter polymerize. Fibers may be controllably incorporated into the material during processing to impart specific properties, and air may be controllably incorporated into the material during processing to further decrease its density.

Abstract: Disclosed are branched polyester compositions having an I.V. of at least about 0.7 dl/g and a melt viscosity sufficiently high to permit foaming during extrusion or molding operations. These branched polyesters are readily foamable with a wide range of foaming agents to provide low density shaped articles, films, and sheets. The branched polyesters comprise about 80 to about 99.9 wt % of a polyester and about 0.1 to about 20 wt % of an ethylene copolymer containing repeat units of ethylene and of a monomer selected from the group comprising acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, alkyl acrylate, alkyl methacrylate and vinyl alcohol.

Abstract: There are disclosed a resin composition capable of exhibiting a high melt viscoelasticity comprising 100 parts by weight of an aromatic copolyester resin which contains a branching component unit having at least three ester-forming groups in the ratio of 0.01 to 5 moles per 100 moles in total of aromatic dicarboxylic acid units and which has a limiting viscosity of 0.4 to 1.0 dl/g, and 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of a compound having at least two acid anhydride groups in its molecule, and an aromatic polyester resin foamed body produced therefrom and a process for producing the foamed body.

Abstract: Disclosed are branched polyester compositions having an I.V. of at least about 0.7 dl/g and a melt viscosity sufficiently high to permit foaming during extrusion or molding operations. These branched polyesters are readily foamable with a wide range of foaming agents to provide low density shaped articles, films, and sheets.The branched polyesters comprise about 80 to about 99.9 wt % of a polyester and about 0.1 to about 20 wt % of an ethylene copolymer containing repeat units of ethylene and of a monomer selected from the group comprising acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, alkyl acrylate, alkyl methacrylate and vinyl alcohol.

Abstract: A low density foam having a density less than 15 pounds per cubic foot (240 kg/m.sup.3) is formed from an amorphous polyethylene terephthalate polymer. An expandable resin composition is also disclosed, comprising an amorphous polyethylene terephthalate polymer and a blowing agent mixture comprising a low permeability blowing agent and a high solubility blowing agent. Unexpanded and partially expanded foam particles, impregnated with the blowing agent mixture are disclosed. Numerous methods are disclosed for producing lightweight foams from amorphous polyethylene terephthalate polymers. One such method utilizes an Accumulating Extrusion Expansion System which avoids problems experienced with the prior art when attempting to extrusion expand polyesters.

Abstract: A method for separating co-mingled polymeric materials, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is described. The process involves selectively dissolving a supercritical fluid into one of the materials at the appropriate temperature and pressure. Upon rapid reduction of the system pressure, the selected material foams providing a change in density. Under ambient conditions, the polymeric materials having a large density difference can be separated by means of aqueous separation and flotation. The preferred supercritical fluid for the process is carbon dioxide, and PVC is the material into which the supercritical fluid is preferentially dissolved.

Abstract: A foamed plastic manufactured by foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic is less than atmospheric pressure, is disclosed. Further, a foamed plastic manufactured by hermetically sealing with an airtight film and foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in a gap region between the airtight film and the foamed plastic and the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic are less than atmospheric pressure is disclosed. Further, a method of manufacturing foamed plastic comprising foaming a mixture of a volatile polymerizable foaming agent and a resin, and irradiating the foamed plastic with an energy beam.

Abstract: A method for making a cellular rubber is described, in which water is added to a high water absorption resin, followed by allowing the resulting mixture to stand and form a hydrous gel. The hydrous gel, with or without a foaming agent, is added to a rubber compound and subjected to foaming under conditions sufficient for vulcanization thereby obtaining a cellular rubber having a closed cell structure. Cosmetic puffs using the cellular rubber are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved compositions of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and similar polymers and methods for forming and using such compositions. In its preferred embodiment, the present invention employs a mixture of PTFE and expandable thermoplastic microspheres. Through application of an energy source to the mixture, a coherent three dimensional expansion of PTFE can be achieved. The expanded mixture has many of the same beneficial properties of mechanically expanded PTFE and numerous properties previously unavailable with expanded PTFE products.

Abstract: A foamed cellular material from polyester resins is obtained by extrusion foaming of polyester resins having melt strength higher than 8 centinewton, intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.8 dl/g and complex melt viscosity higher than 25,000 poises.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel polyol obtained by using a specified polyhydric alcohol, polyoxyalkylene polyol, aliphatic amine and/or alkamlamine as a raw material and adding an organic polycarboxylic acid or its anhydride and an alkylene oxide; a polyurethane resin prepared from said novel polyol and an organic polyisocyanate; a rigid polyurethane foam prepared by using a hydrochlorofluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon foaming agent which has very low public hazards; and a composite utilizing thereof.The production of rigid polyurethane foam by using the polyol of the invention can be carried out in good operation efficiency and low public hazards. Additionally, properties of the foam thus obtained is equivalent to those of rigid polyurethane foams obtained by using conventional chlorofluorocarbons. Consequently, the rigid polyurethane foam of the invention is very useful for insulation materials and structural insulation materials.

Abstract: Blends of branched poly(ethylene terephthalate) ("PET") polymer and recycled plastics can be foamed to produce closed cell structures with advantageous densities, cell sizes, cell size distributions, mechanical properties and thermal properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to foamed polylactide articles obtainable by foaming a mixture of amorphous polylactide granules which contain a blowing agent and of a finely divided polylactide which does not contain a blowing agent, and to a process for producing same.

Abstract: Controlled foams of crystalline amorphous polymers include a second phase polymeric material having a transition temperature below that of the matrix polymeric material. The second phase material provides nucleating sites for the growth of gas formed cells which are limited in size by the particle size of the second phase polymeric material.

Abstract: A foamed polyester sheet of this invention has uniform fine cells and a high foaming ratio. Particularly, a sheet containing a polycarbonate resin or a polyarylate resin is excellent in high-temperature stability. The foamed polyester sheet of this invention is suited for use requiring a high-temperature stability, such as a container for an electronic oven, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for obtaining polyester articles, including foamed articles, containing low levels of extractable branching agent. The process comprises: (1) forming a molten mixture comprising (i) a major amount of a first resin composition comprising polyester and from 0 up to about 1 wt. % of a compound capable of branching the polyester, and (ii) a minor amount of a second polyester resin composition comprising at least about 50 wt. % polyester resin and greater than about 2 wt. % of a compound capable of branching the polyester, wherein the relative amounts of (i) and (ii) are such that said molten mixture comprises from about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. % of said branching compound; (2) adding a blowing agent to the molten mixture; and (3) extruding the resultant mixture to obtain a foam. The invention is also directed to the second composition used in the above process, and foamed polyester articles obtained from the process.

Abstract: A process for producing structural aromatic polycarbonate thermoplastic foam is provided which involves gas expansion of a melted aromatic polycarbonate thermoplastic resin composition containing an amount of a polytetrafluoroethylene nucleating agent. The thermoplastic resin compositions provided exhibit an improved uniformity of cell structure in the resultant structural thermoplastic foam as a result of the incorporation of the polytetrafluoroethylene nucleating agent. The process and compositions are useful in the production of structural thermoplastic foam articles.

Abstract: A process for preparing a cellular polymer containing perforated cell windows in the presence of a perforating agent being a substance that has a critical surface free energy of less than about 23 mj/m.sup.2 is disclosed. The cellular polymers obtained according to this invention have a fine cell structure and show enhanced dimensional and thermal insulation stability. The invention also relates to rigid polyurethane foam prepared in the presence of, for example, particulate poly(tetrafluoroethylene) or a liquid polyfluoro- or perfluorocarbon, with a boiling point of at least 130.degree. C., as perforating agent.

Abstract: Melt strengths and melt viscosities of aromatic polyesters are increased substantially by the addition of small amounts of certain high molecular weight vinyl aromatic modifiers which disperse very readily in aromatic polyesters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for obtaining polyester articles, including foamed articles, containing low levels of extractable branching agent. The process comprises: (1) forming a molten mixture comprising (i) a major amount of a first resin composition comprising polyester and from 0 up to about 1 wt. % of a compound capable of branching the polyester, and (ii) a minor amount of a second polyester resin composition comprising at least about 50 wt. % polyester resin and greater than about 2 wt. % of a compound capable of branching the polyester, wherein the relative amounts of (i) and (ii) are such that said molten mixture comprises from about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. % of said branching compound; (2) adding a blowing agent to the molten mixture; and (3) extruding the resultant mixture to obtain a foam. The invention is also directed to the second composition used in the above process, and foamed polyester articles obtained from the process.

Abstract: A composite porous membrane is formed from a porous polymeric substrate having its entire surface modified with a cross-linked polymer which results in a hydrophobic and oleophobic surface. The composite membrane retains substantially all of its other original properties. The cross-linked polymer is formed in situ on the polymeric substrate from a reactant system comprising an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having at least one fluoroalkyl group, a cross-linker, and, if needed, a polymerization initiator, dissolved in a nonpolar and or weakly polar solvent system. The membrane substrate saturated with the reactant system is exposed to a suitable energy source to effect polymerization and cross linking of the monomer.

Abstract: A process for preparing a cellular polymer containing perforated cell windows in the presence of a perforating agent being a substance that has a critical surface free energy of less than about 23 mJ/m.sup.2 is disclosed. The cellular polymers obtained according to this invention have a fine cell structure and show enhanced dimensional and thermal insulation stability. The invention also relates to rigid polyurethane foam prepared in the presence of, for example, particulate poly(tetrafluoroethylene) or a liquid polyfluoro- or perfluorocarbon, with a boiling point of at least 130.degree. C., as perforating agent.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved blowing agent concentrate, comprising:(a) a vinyl aromatic polymer;(b) a preformed blend of a styrene/diene block copolymer and a hydrocarbon rubber extending oil; and(c) at least one blowing agent.The blowing agent concentrate is utilized to prepare foamable materials based on a variety of thermoplastic organic polymers. The foamable materials can in turn be molded into a variety of thermoplastic structures.

Abstract: A process for preparing a cellular polymer containing perforated cell windows in the presence of a perforating agent being a substance that has a critical surface free energy of less than about 23 mJ/m.sup.2 is disclosed. The cellular polymers obtained according to this invention have a fine cell structure and show enhanced dimensional and thermal insulation stability. The invention also relates to rigid polyurethane foam prepared in the presence of, for example, particulate poly(tetrafluoroethylene) or a liquid polyfluoro- or perfluorocarbon, with a boiling point of at least 130.degree. C., as perforating agent.

Abstract: The introduction of a foamable silicone rubber composition that evolves neither toxic gas nor hydrogen, that does not suffer from inhibition of its cure to give silicone rubber, and that cures to give a silicone rubber foam containing uniform microcells. The foamable silicone rubber composition comprises:(A) 100 weight parts thermosetting liquid silicone rubber composition, and(B) 0.1 to 30 weight parts thermally expansible hollow plastic microparticles.

Abstract: The dispersion of a polymer in a polyol is characterized in that the polymer is a product ofA) a reaction product of an epoxy compound and an aromatic acid andB) an epoxy hardenerand the epoxy compound is the reaction product of a polyphenol an epihalohydrin, of a polyalcohol and an epihalohydrin, of an amine and an epihalohydrin, of a sulfur-containing compound and an epihalohydrin, of a polycarboxylic acid and an epihalohydrin or of a polyisocyanate and 2,3-epoxy-1-propanol or the reaction product of a mixture or polyphenols, polyalcohols, amines, sulfur-containing compounds, polycarbolic acids and/or polyisocyanates and an epihalohydrin.The dispersion is useful for producing polyurethane foams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a a bimodal, insulative, styrenic polymer foam structure comprising a foam of a styrene polymer material of greater than 50 percent by weight of styrenic monomeric units, the foam having relatively larger primary cells with a cell size range of 0.05 to 1.2 millimeters and relatively smaller secondary cells ranging in cell size from about 5 percent to about 50 percent of the average cell size of the primary cells. The primary and secondary cells constitute at least about 90 percent of the total cell volume within the foam structure. The bimodal structure has an amount of carbon black sufficient to reduce the thermal conductivity of the structure below that of a corresponding bimodal structure without carbon black. Further disclosed is a process for making the foam structure.

Abstract: Fine, porous polybenzimidazole-containing particles prepared by spray-atomizing/quenching a polybenzimidazole-containing polymer solution into porous polybenzimidazole-containing particles, and fluidized bed, oppose jet milling the particles into fine, porous polybenzimidazole-containing particles. The milled particles exhibit a narrow particle size distribution centered at about a 5 .mu.m mean particle size, a surface area of about 35 m.sup.2 /g, and an open porosity of about 1.2 cm.sup.2 /gm which is at pore radius of less than about 100 nm.

Abstract: A composite porous membrane is formed from a porous polymeric substrate having its entire surface modified with a cross-linked polymer which results in a hydrophobic and oleophobic surface. The composite membrane retains substantially all of its other original properties. The cross-linked polymer is formed in situ on the polymeric substrate from a reactant system comprising an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having at least one fluoroalkyl group, a cross-linker, and, if needed, a polymerization initiator, dissolved in a nonpolar and or weakly polar solvent system. The membrane substrate saturated with the reactant system is exposed to a suitable energy source to effect polymerization and cross linking of the monomer.

Abstract: Environmentally benign closed cell compositions made by foaming star-shaped polymers with a plurality of poly(hydroxy acid) chains attached to a central polyfunctional compound having a plurality of hydroxyl and/or amino groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bimodal, insulative, styrenic polymer foam structure comprising a foam of a styrene polymer material of greater than 50 percent by weight of styrenic monomeric units, the foam having relatively larger primary cells with a cell size range of 0.05 to 1.2 millimeters and relatively smaller secondary cells ranging in cell size from about 5 percent to about 50 percent of the average cell size of the primary cells. The primary and secondary cells constitute at least about 90 percent of the total cell volume within the foam structure. The bimodal structure has an amount of carbon black sufficient to reduce the thermal conductivity of the structure below that of a corresponding bimodal structure without carbon black. Further disclosed is a process for making the foam structure.

Abstract: A storage stable aqueous dispersion useful in the curing of unsaturated polyester resins and the suspension polymerization of vinyl monomers containing an aromatic diacyl peroxide, an alkylene glycol and dispersion-stabilizing amounts of magnesium aluminum silicate and a cellulose ether compound is disclosed. Also disclosed are the curing of polyester resins and the suspension polymerization of vinyl monomers using the dispersion.

Abstract: A foaming agent is mixed to a thermoplastic resin composition containing a graft copolymer obtained by emulsion graft polymerization of a vinyl monomer to an ethylene-propylene-non-conjugated diene copolymer rubber latex comprising from 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of a modified low molecular weight .alpha.-olefin copolymer uniformly dispersion in 100 parts by weight of an ethylene-propylene-non-conjugated diene copolymer.

Abstract: An acrylic rubber composition is proposed which is improved in respect of the extrusion-moldability as well as the surface slipperiness of the vulcanized article obtained therefrom. The composition comprises (a) an acrylic rubbery cooplymer which is a copolymer of a (meth)acrylic ester and a coolymerizable organosilicon compound having a silicon-bonded vinyl group in a molecule, (b) a reinforcing filler, (c) a powder of spherical particles having a specified average particle diameter and (d) an organic peroxide as a vulcanizing agent. The composition can be compounded further with a blowing agent to give a foamable rubber composition capable of being vulcanized into a spongy rubber body exhibiting excellent feeling on touch and slipperiness in contact with human skin to be useful, for example, as a material of cosmetic puffs.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of polyarylene sulphides (PAS), preferably polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) for the preparation of a structural foam, a process for the production of this foam, and mouldings obtainable by this process.

Abstract: There is described a process for producing polyester foam fiber where sodium carbonate and citric acid are added as blowing agent before spinning together with polycarbonate. The proportion of blowing agent is from 0.15 to 0.80 percent by weight of the polyester and the proportion of polycarbonate is from 0.5 to 2 percent by weight of the polyester. The process of the invention makes it possible to produce foam fiber, i.e. filament or staple fiber with discontinuous voids, which may be used for example as carpet fiber and filling fiber for blankets and cushions or as a lining material for winter clothing.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed which are suitable for the preparation of thermoplastic syntactic foam intermediate and final products. These compositions comprise a slurry or putty containing thermoplastic particles, microballoons, and a non-solvent, optionally in the presence of suitable thickeners, binders, and surfactants. In a preferred embodiment, the composition contains particles of an engineering thermoplastic having a mean particle size less then about 100 .mu.m, microballoons, water as the non-solvent, and a thickener/binder which is a lightly crosslinked polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: A biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin foam and a process for producing same are disclosed, the biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin foam being comprised as a substrate thereof a mixed resin comprising 5-40 weight % of a thermoplastic resin decomposable by microorganisms and 95-60 weight % of a thermoplastic resin not decomposable by microorganisms and being characterized in that the individual aerial cells constituting the foam have an average cell wall thickness of 1-100 .mu.m and an apparent density of 0.5 g/cm.sup.3 or less than 0.5 g/cm.sup.3. The biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin foam is easily disintegrable after disposal in an environment where microorganisms exist so that it can be reduced in bulkness and gives no harmful effect on the life of natural plants and animals. The foam incorporated with a filler can be promoted in disintegration by microorganisms. Thus the present invention affords an effective means for solving various problems in the treatment of disposed materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polyurethane system containing isocyanate groups prepared by reactingA) 70 to 98 parts by weight of at least one polyester diol having a melting point of 30.degree. C. to 60.degree. C. and a molecular weight of 800 to 8,000,B) 2 to 30 parts by weight of at least one polyester diol having a melting point of 65.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. and a molecular weight of 600 to 8,000, andC) no more than 1 mole of a diol having a molecular weight of less than 600 per moles of A) plus B), with,D) at least one organic polyisocyanate, the ratio of isocyanate groups to hydroxyl groups is between 3:1 and 1.2:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of polyarylene sulphides (PAS), preferably polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) for the preparation of a structrual foam, a process for the production of this foam, and moldings obtainable by this process.

Abstract: A biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin foam and a process for producing same are disclosed, the biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin foam being comprised as a substrate thereof a mixed resin comprising 5-40 weight % of a thermoplastic resin decomposable by microorganisms and 95-60 weight % of a thermoplastic resin not decomposable by microorganisms and being characterized in that the individual aerial cells constituting the foam have an average cell wall thickness of 1-100 .mu.m and an apparent density of 0.5 g/cm.sup.3 or less than 0.5 g/cm.sup.3. The biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin foam is easily disintegrable after disposal in an environment where microorganisms exist so that it can be reduced in bulkness and gives no harmful effect on the life of natural plant and animals. The foam incorporated with a filler can be promoted in disintegration by microorganisms. Thus the present invention affords an effective means for solving various problems in the treatment of disposed materials.

Abstract: A method of using blowing agent compositions to produce foamed plastics such as polyurethanes, polyesters and the like, wherein a major auxiliary source of blowing agent for the foam is the decomposition of dialkyl dicarbonates. The dialkyl dicarbonates can be decomposed over temperatures ranging from about 10.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C. when used in combination with particular tertiary amine decomposition catalysts.

Abstract: A void-containing polyester-type film is obtained by drawing a resin composition sheet consisting of a polyester, and a thermoplastic resin which is not compatible with the polyester in at least one direction. The film of this invention has a film base material consisting mainly of the polyester, fine particles consisting mainly of the thermoplastic resin which are dispersed into the film base material, and fine voids formed around the fine particles. The film of this invention has a surface layer having 3 .mu.m or more thickness, a void percentage of 4% by volume or less in an area having 3 .mu.m thickness from its surface, and an average void percentage of 8% by volume to 50% by volume.The film of this invention has excellent softeness, lightness, and hiding power, and excellent surface strength. The film can be used as a base material for a label, etc.

Abstract: A process for producing an article of a synthetic resin material or a thermoplastic resin blend having a microcellular structure comprises dispersing in a solid thermoplastic resin matrix having hydrophilic functional groups a finely divided water-soluble material, shaping the resin matrix containing the water-soluble material into the desired article, and immersing the shaped article in water at a suitable temperature to cause the resin matrix to swell to an extent of at least about 50% by volume while wet. The immersion causes water to diffuse into the resin matrix and solvate the water-soluble material, which becomes encased in water-filled cells that have solid walls, are substantially closed, and do not form an interconnecting porous network.Articles made by this process include, among others, vascular grafts and organoids.

Abstract: Polyester polyols are prepared by reacting a multifunctional adduct (e.g., maleic anhydride (MA)) and tall oil fatty acid, (TOFA), and then esterifying/transesterifying the MA/TOFA reaction product with an excess of aromatic polyester polyols (preferably such polyols are produced from dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) process residue and polyhydric alcohols). The polyester polyols may be used in the manufacture of rigid polyurethane (PUR) and rigid urethane-modified polyisocyanurate (PUR/PIR) foams.

Abstract: A water-base endothermic fire protective material comprising a heat curable thermosetting resin, inorganic fibers, an endothermic inorganic filler, and thermoplastic binder resin is disclosed. The material can vary in viscosity from a putty that is moldable or trowelable into place to a thin paste that can be sprayed to form a flexible and stable fire stop seal or coating. The material with essentially no shrinkage retains strength and adhesion qualities before and after exposure to fire and retains superior resistance to the impact, erosion, and cooling effects of a hose stream used to combat a fire.