Abstract: An expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer composition and methods of preparation are provided. The composition is admixed with a volatile blowing agent and an expansion aid which includes a polyphenylene ether. The composition may be extruded and then expanded by exposure to steam or hot air or may be impregnated with blowing agent and then expanded.

Abstract: A process for producing expandable styrene-based polymer beads is disclosed, which comprises adding a low temperature polymerization initiator that is decomposable to the half at a temperature of from 50.degree. to 80.degree. C. for a period of 10 hours to an aqueous medium having suspended therein blowing agent-containing expandable styrene-based polymer small particles whose particle sizes have been adjusted so as to have a particle size distribution falling within a mean particle size .+-.

Abstract: The production of foamed articles of polyphenylene ether resins is improved by including a modifier comprising an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid or derivative. The resulting products are lightweight, exhibit superior heat resistance and retain flame retardancy over polyphenylene ether resins which are foamed in the absence of the modifier. Such resins are especially suited for the production of extrusion and injection foam molding material.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ether compositions rendered flame retardant with bromine-containing compounds can be foam molded into shaped articles free of streaking and without the generation of odors if the foaming agent comprises citric acid and sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: Low density particles or beads of polyphenylene ether or polyphenylene ether-polystyrene blends are provided by incorporation of a suitable blowing agent such as pentane into the resin mixture, flowed by expansion of the resin particles by exposure temperatures near the Tg of the blend.

Abstract: A new class of hydrocarbon foaming agents which are block copolymers, one block of which is a styrene derivative, the other a vinylsilane derivative. Said hydrocarbon foaming agents are nonreactive with common anionic initiators.

Abstract: A high temperature filter material, comprising a non-woven glass fiber matrix including mica particles, polymer micro-bits and a uniformly distributed binder system, is made by a wet laid procedure, as used in paper-making. A composition comprising the mica particles and polymer micro-bits, used in making the filter material, and a method of preparing the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition and method for polymerization of cycloolefins using a feed stream including an iodide containing activator to form a substantially cross-linked polymeric product. The polymeric product may be formed by polymerization in an intricately shaped mold and/or be of ultra-low density. High glass transition temperature and fiber reinforced products are formed.

Abstract: An expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer composition and methods of preparation are provided. The composition is admixed with a volatile blowing agent and an expansion aid which includes a polyphenylene ether. The composition may be extruded and then expanded by exposure to steam or hot air or may be impregnated with blowing agent and then expanded.

Abstract: A storage-stable container sealing composition which is fluid and comprises an aqueous dispersion of a visco elastic, generally elastomeric, polymer and hollow microspheres of a thermoplastic polymeric material containing a liquid blowing agent. The compositions are applied as gaskets to container closures and are heated to volatilize the blowing agent and expand the microspheres.

Abstract: Expandable thermoplastic resin particles comprising a thermoplastic resin and a hydrocarbon having the lower boiling point than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin in which a copolymer composed of a fluorinated vinyl polymer part and a hydrophilic vinyl polymer part covers or is included on the surface or in the surface layer of the expandable thermoplastic particle, said resin particles are useful for producing package vessels and containers for oily or fatty foods.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ether compositions rendered flame retardant with bromine-containing compounds can be foam molded into shaped articles free of streaking and without the generation of odors if the foaming agent comprises citric acid and sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: A hot applicable, heat expandable, thermosetting sealing composition particularly adapted for use in the automotive industry is disclosed. Such a sealant comprises a styrene-butadiene rubber mixed with conventional thermoplastic resin blowing agents, vulcanizing agent, oils and thickening agents wherein the addition of an activator selected from the family of sulfonamide materials results in a sealer which can be hot applied without causing it to prematurely blow or cross-link yet remain affixed to the component until such time as it is desired to blow and cure the sealant.

Abstract: An expandable polyolefin composition and a method of preparation are provided. Isobutane or mixtures of isobutane with other physical blowing agents are utilized to expand polyolefin compositions which have been modified by the addition of a stability control agent. The composition has a high degree of dimensional stability and exhibits minimal shrinkage during curing and/or aging.

Abstract: An expandable ethylenic or styrenic polymer composition for production of lightly crosslinked foamed polymers and a process for controlling the degree of crosslinking of the polymer prior to extrusion foaming. The control is obtained by use of (a) a reversible gas-yielding crosslinking reaction which is delayed in the foam extrusion line in the presence of gaseous products (alcohols) and (b) added amounts of an alcohol such as an aliphatic alcohol. Suitable crosslinking agents include silanes, azido functional silanes, titanates, and amino compounds.

Abstract: A gas-releasing composition of a t-alkylhydrazinium salt and/or a carbonylhydrazine and at least one compound selected from free radical forming sources, metal oxides, and sulfur and/or sulfur donor compounds wherein when sulfur and/or a sulfur donor compound is used, the composition will also contain one or more members selected from sulfur accelerators, metal oxides, and amino-alcohols. This novel gas-releasing composition permits the selectively tailoring of the gas evolution of a system in order to meet a wide range of specific application areas polymer characteristics and conditions over a wide temperature range.

Abstract: Blends of polypropylene-poly(vinyl aromatic monomer) interpolymer with certain polymers and/or rubbers can be impregnated with blowing agents to give products which can be expanded under atmospheric steam conditions to give low density, fine cell structure foam particles.

Abstract: The production of foamed articles of polyphenylene ether resins is improved by including a modifier comprising an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid or derivative. The resulting products are lightweight, exhibit superior heat resistance and retain flame retardancy over polyphenylene ether resins which are foamed in the absence of the modifier. Such resins are especially suited for the production of extrusion and injection foam molding materials.

Abstract: Optionally nucleo-substituted styrene polymers are crosslinked at temperatures above 110.degree. C. with combinations of crosslinkage promoters containing at least two polymerizable C--C double or C--C triple bonds in the molecule, and organic peroxides (with the exception of hydroperoxides, peracids, and ketone peroxides) having a 10 hour halflife temperature below 106.degree. C.

Abstract: Foamable thermoplastic compositions are described which are based on pre-compounded concentrated blends of an inorganic non-fibrous particulate foaming agent and a carrier polymer. The foamable thermoplastic polymer is selected from among aromatic polycarbonates alone or with acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers polyesters, poly(ester-carbonates), and polyetherimides. The foaming agent may optionally be added as part of the concentrate.

Abstract: A hot applicable, heat expandable, thermosetting sealing composition particularly adapted for use in the automotive industry is disclosed. Such a sealant comprises a styrene-butadiene rubber mixed with conventional thermoplastic resin blowing agents, vulcanizing agent, oils and thickening agents wherein the addition of an activator selected from the family of sulfonamide materials results in a sealer which can be hot applied without causing it to prematurely blow or cross-link yet remain affixed to the component until such time as it is desired to blow and cure the sealant.

Abstract: Elastomer compositions suitable for use in foaming operations and elastomeric cellular products and processes of forming such products. The elastomer compositions comprise a mixture of two thermoplastic rubber compounds, at least one of which has a vinyl aromatic component and a higher aromaticity than the other rubber compound. The compositions also contains a nucleating agent which functions when gas is entrained in the molten elastomer formulation to enhance the neutrophilic structure of the elastomer. An unstable resin is also present in the elastomer compositions. This resin is oxidized or thermally decomposed as the foamed product is cured to produce a relatively nontactified skin. Cellular elastomeric products may be formed by incorporating an inert gas into the molten elastomer compositions by the use of gas infusing equipment or by the decomposition of blowing agents. The blowing agents may be supplied to the molten elastomer composition entrained within a plasticizing oil.

Abstract: A process for producing a polypropylene-polystyrene interpolymer which can be impregnated with a blowing agent and can then be expanded under normal conditions for polystyrene particles to low density, fine cell structure foams. The interpolymer must be viscbroken, lubricated and stress relaxed in order to foam at 100.degree. C. to densities less than 2.0 pcf.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: Thermoplastic particles are suspended in water or other suspending fluids with a suspending aid(s) to prevent agglomeration of the beads, pellets or particles. To this suspension is added monomer(s) containing a multifunctional initiator(s). The monomer and initiator(s) are preemulsified in water or other fluid(s) before the addition in order to improve distribution of the monomer(s) and initiator(s) in or on the particles. After or during the addition(s), the suspension temperature is raised to cause polymerization. The procedures may be repeated to increase the coating or penetrated polymer content. New compositions of matter are made by this technique wherein the new compositions are plastic resins either coated or penetrated, or both, with a thermoplastic(s) of very high molecular weight not obtainable by present, commercial polymerization techniques. The compositions are superior to the feed resins because of the enhancement of physical properties brought about by the high molecular weights phase(s).

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: Blends of polypropylene-poly(vinyl aromatic monomer) interpolymer with certain polymers and/or rubbers can be impregnated with blowing agents to give products which can be expanded under atmospheric steam conditions to give low density, fine cell structure foam particles.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: A composition comprising a dry blend mixture of a porous thermoplastic resin powder and from 1 to 80 wt. % of a microbiocide based upon the weight of the composition. The microbiocide is present in the mixture at a concentration of at least about 20 times greater than the normal upper usage concentration of the microbiocide, and is held within the pores of the thermoplastic powder.The resulting concentrate is a substantially non-dusting, free-flowing powder which is readily incorporated into a second thermoplastic resin to produce a resulting article having the appropriate level of microbiocide.

Abstract: An expandable polyolefin composition and a method of preparation are provided. Isobutane or mixtures of isobutane with other physical blowing agents are utilized to expand polyolefin compositions which have been modified by the addition of a stability control agent. The composition has a high degree of dimensional stability and exhibits minimal shrinkage during curing and/or aging.

Abstract: Thermoplastic particles are suspended in water or other suspending fluids with a suspending aid(s) to prevent agglomeration of the beads, pellets or particles. To this suspension is added monomer(s) containing a multifunctional initiator(s). The monomer and initiator(s) are pre-emulsified in water or other fluid(s) before the addition in order to improve distribution of the monomer(s) and initiator(s) in or on the particles. After or during the addition(s), the suspension temperature is raised to cause polymerization. The procedures may be repeated to increase the coating or penetrated polymer content. New compositions of matter are made by this technique wherein the new compositions are plastic resins either coated or penetrated, or both, with a thermoplastic(s) of very high molecular weight not obtainable by present, commercial polymerization techniques. The compositions are superior to the feed resins because of the enhancement of physical properties brought about by the high molecular weights phase(s).

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: A composition comprising a dry blend mixture of a porous thermoplastic resin powder and from 1 to 80 wt. % of a microbiocide based upon the weight of the composition. The microbiocide is present in the mixture at a concentration of at least about 20 times greater than the normal upper usage concentration of the microbiocide, and is held within the pores of the thermoplastic powder.The resulting concentrate is a substantially non-dusting, free-flowing powder which is readily incorporated into a second thermoplastic resin to produce a resulting article having the appropriate level of microbiocide.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: An expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer composition and methods of preparation are provided. The composition is admixed with a volatile blowing agent and an expansion aid which includes a polyphenylene ether. The composition may be extruded and then expanded by exposure to steam or hot air or may be impregnated with blowing agent and then expanded.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: Olefin polymer foams having improved cell structures and relatively smooth outer surfaces produced by foaming a composition containing a thermoplastic olefin polymer, p,p'-oxybis-benzene sulfonyl hydrazide, a monomeric acrylate ester of a polyhydric compound and an organic peroxide. These foams can be formed into shaped articles of desired configuration by conventional thermoforming molding techniques.

Abstract: An energy absorber suitable for use as a bumper core or the like is formed of an expansion-molded article of prefoamed particles. The prefoamed particles use, as the base resin thereof, a resin obtained by impregnating high-density polyethylene with an aromatic vinyl monomer and polymerizing the monomer. The absorber has a density (.rho.) of 0.015-0.15 g/cm.sup.3 and satisfies the following relation:E.sub.20 /.rho..gtoreq.45 kg.multidot.cm/gwherein E.sub.20 (kg.multidot.cm/cm.sup.3) means the quantity of energy absorbed upon 70% compression at 20.degree. C. and .rho. has the same meaning as defined above.

Abstract: Useful resilient extruded closed cell foam compositions are produced by the present invention by forming an extrudable blend comprising a heat activatible chemical blowing agent and a polymer component consisting essentially of chlorinated polyethylene and at least one other thermoplastic polymer. The amount of chlorinated polyethylene is from 0.025 to 0.5 parts per part of the thermoplastic polymer. The blend is extruded at a temperature below the activation temperature of the blowing agent to form an unfoamed thermoplastic sheet, and the sheet is thereafter heated to a temperature sufficient to activate the blowing agent and expand the sheet and produce a non-crosslinked closed cell thermoplastic foam.

Abstract: Ethylenic polymer/styrenic polymer blend foams are prepared from blends of (1) an ethylenic polymer resin having a density of from 0.915 to 0.930 g/cm.sup.3 and a melt index of from 0.2 to 2.6 grams/10 minutes and (2) a styrenic polymer resin having a melt flow rate of from 1.4 to 18 grams/10 minutes. Foams having an excellent overall combination of properties are obtained (1) when the density, D, of such foams is in the range of from 10 to 40 kg/m.sup.3 and the 25 percent compressive strength, F, in kg/cm.sup.2 is from 0.013D.sup.1.15 to 0.024D.sup.1.15 and (2) when the ratio, R, of the melt flow rate of the styrenic polymer employed divided by the melt index of the ethylenic polymer employed is from 7 to 90 and the content, Y, of the styrenic polymer in said blend, in parts by weight based upon 100 parts by weight of the ethylenic polymer resin, satisfies the following requirement:10.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.3.94.7+1.18R-294.1 log (D).

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: A polymer foam made from a blend of a low density ethylenic polymer and styrenic polymer utilizing a volatile blowing agent and a free radical generating compound as a crosslinking agent. The free radical generating compound provides light crosslinking and increases the foamability of the polymer blend.

Abstract: A process for producing a polypropylene-polystyrene interpolymer which can be impregnated with a blowing agent and can then be expanded under normal conditions for polystyrene particles to low density, fine cell structure foams. The interpolymer is viscbroken during the polymerization of the styrene. The polypropylene is lubricated prior to formation of the interpolymer. The process forms particles which can be impregnated with blowing agent directly.

Abstract: An insulating foam and a process for producing insulating foam, wherein a foamable first component may be made of alkyl sulfate, half ester of maleic anhydride and acrylic resin in an aqueous solution is mechanically foamed with air, and to that foam is added an aqueous solution of magnesium oxide, dispersant, acrylic resin, perlite and/or precipitated calcium carbonate. To those components is added an aqueous solution of at least one of aluminum chloride, magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, zinc chloride, sulfamic acid, sodium silicate, zinc oxide, barium metaborate, vinyl alcohol, magnesium carbonate, calcium chloride and vinyl acetate. In another embodiment a polyvinyl alcohol and dispersant first portion is foamed with air and mixed with a second cementitious portion comprising magnesium oxide and barium metaborate.

Abstract: An expandable polyolefin composition and a method of preparation are provided. Isobutane or mixtures of isobutane with other physical blowing agents are utilized to expand polyolefin compositions which have been modified by the addition of a stability control agent. The composition has a high degree of dimensional stability and exhibits minimal shrinkage during curing and/or aging.

Abstract: A resin composition for a masterbatch of foaming agent, comprising:(A) 100 parts by weight of a resin component comprising(i) 100 to 20% by weight of a modified resin having an aromatic vinyl monomer unit content of 5 to 70% by weight, the aromatic vinyl monomer unit being obtained by subjecting an ethylene polymer resin or propylene polymer resin and an aromatic vinyl monomer to graft polymerization, and(ii) 0 to 80% by weight of an ethylene polymer resin or propylene polymer resin, and(B) 1 to 50 parts by weight of a chemical foaming agent.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: A process for producing a polypropylenepolystyrene interpolymer which can be impregnated with a blowing agent and can then be expanded under normal conditions for polystyrene particles to low density, fine cell structure foams. The interpolymer must be viscbroken, lubricated and stress relaxed in order to foam at 100.degree. C. to densities less than 2.0 pcf.