Abstract: Provided is a hollow foamed blow-molded article having a high heat resistance, employing a thermoplastic resin composition containing a mixed resin of a polyphenylene ether resin and a polystyrene resin, as a base resin. The foamed blow-molded article, may be produced by extruding a foamable molten resin composition obtained by kneading the thermoplastic resin composition and a blowing agent to form a foamed parison, and blow molding the foamed parison. A glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin composition is 110° C. or higher. A melt viscosity of the thermoplastic resin composition at a temperature of the glass transition temperature+80° C. and at a shear rate of 100/sec is 3000 to 9500 Pa·s. The physical blowing agent is a blowing agent containing a hydrocarbon compound having 3-5 carbon atoms. A blending amount of the physical blowing agent is 0.4 to 1 mol per kg of the thermoplastic resin composition.

Abstract: A fill material which includes first and second types of polymers which are mixed together to be used for filling frameless furniture or the like as well as the method and apparatus for making the fill material and supplying the fill material to a frameless furniture sheath.

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: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, an infrared attenuating agent, and a polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the blowing agent contains an HFC. The maleic anhydride-styrene copolymer grafted with polyethylene oxide increases the cell size of the polymer foam and offsets or even negates the decreased cell size caused by an HFC blowing agent and/or infrared attenuating agents. In addition, 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. A method of forming an extruded foam product is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to elastic expanded polymer foams and also a process for producing expanded polymer foams by sintering a mixture comprising foam particles P1 and P2 composed of different thermoplastic polymers or polymer blends, wherein the foam particles P1 are obtained by prefoaming expandable, thermoplastic polymer particles comprising A) from 45 to 97.9 percent by weight of a styrene polymer, B1) from 1 to 45 percent by weight of a polyolefin having a melting point in the range from 105 to 140° C., B2) from 0 to 25 percent by weight of a polyolefin having a melting point below 105° C., C1) from 0.1 to 25 percent by weight of a styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprene block copolymer, C2) from 0.0 to 10 percent by weight of a styrene-ethylene-butylene block copolymer, D) from 1 to 15 percent by weight of a blowing agent, E) from 0 to 5 percent by weight of a nucleating agent, where the sum of A) to E) is 100% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vulcanizable rubber composition containing (A) an ethylene/?-olefin/nonconjugated polyene copolymer rubber, (B) a polyolefin resin and (C) a blowing agent, wherein the polyolefin resin (B) is microdispersed in a melted state in the ethylene/?-olefin/nonconjugated polyene copolymer rubber (A), the polyolefin resin (B) having an average dispersed particle diameter of 2 ?m or less, the polyolefin resin (B) is present in an amount of from 5 to 15 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the ethylene/?-olefin/nonconjugated polyene copolymer rubber (A), the blowing agent (C) is present in an amount of from 2 to 6 parts by mass per 10 parts by mass of the ethylene/?-olefin/nonconjugated polyene copolymer rubber (A), and the vulcanizable rubber composition has a specific gravity of from 1.05 to 1.15 and a Mooney viscosity (Vm) at 125° C. of from 25 to 55.

Abstract: Expandable, thermoplastic polymer bead material composed of a multiphase polymer mixture which comprises blowing agent and has at least one continuous phase of a thermoplastic polymer, where at least two different disperse phases P1 and P2 are present, disperse in the continuous phase, and also to processes for its production, and to use for the production of elastic molded foams.

Abstract: To provide a novel cross copolymer and resin composition which are improved in heat resistance and compatibility over conventional ethylene/aromatic vinyl compound copolymers and which have low crystallinity, are excellent in softness, transparency and compatibility and show mechanical properties similar to soft vinyl chloride resins, as compared with conventional cross copolymers.

Abstract: An aerogel-foam composite includes an open cell foam and an aerogel matrix polymer disposed in the open cell foam. The aerogel-foam composite has compression strength of about 15 megaPascals (MPa) or more. The open cell foam may be a polyurethane foam including a carbonate group (—OC(O)O—).

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: Disclosed is a crosslinked polymer nanoparticle containing composition, a method for preparing a copolymer using the composition, and a vinyl chloride resin with improved foam molding properties. Processing aid in according with the present invention, provides the effects of improved foam molding properties and processibility of a vinyl chloride resin, during a foam molding process upon being added to the vinyl chloride resin.

Abstract: A flame retarded foamed plastic composition comprises a polystyrene type resin; a brominated flame retardant having a Br content greater than 60% by weight and a 5 wt % loss temperature of 190-320° C.; a hindered amine of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine carboxylate series, and a blowing agent.

Abstract: To provide a vibration damping composition: excellent in vibration damping property and thermal drying property in a wide temperature range; and sufficiently suppressing sagging of a vibration damping coating film on the vertical surface; and therefore useful for vibration damping materials of various structures. A vibration damping composition comprising an emulsion for vibration damping materials, a foaming agent, and an inorganic pigment, wherein the emulsion for vibration damping materials comprises a particle having a core part formed from an acrylic copolymer (A) and a shell part formed from an acrylic copolymer (B), and at least one of the acrylic copolymers (A) and (B) is prepared by copolymerizing a monomer component comprising methacrylic acid.

Abstract: A foaming composition for filling and sealing contains a vinyl copolymer having an ester bond in a side chain thereof, an organic peroxide, a foaming agent, a hydrophobic resin, and a hydrophilic resin. A content ratio of the hydrophobic resin is in a range of 5 to 25 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the vinyl copolymer. A content ratio of the hydrophilic resin is in a range of 1 to 20 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the vinyl copolymer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resin foam includes dissolving a blowing agent into a mixture of a resin C and a resin D having a difference of solubility with respect to the blowing agent in an amount of more than 0% and less than 5%; subjecting the mixture to heat-melting for extrusion; and evaporating the blowing agent such that the resin foam has a porosity (X) of not less than 80%, a cell (L) with a cell diameter of not less than 1 ?m and not more than 1000 ?m, and a cell (S) with a cell diameter of not less than 0.01 ?m and less than 1 ?m, in which two peaks are present in cell diameter distribution, one peak thereof being present in not less than 10 ?m and not more than 500 ?m and the other peak being present in not less than 0.01 ?m and less than 1 ?m.

Abstract: A porous stamp material allows only resin in a region thereof irradiated with a laser beam during laser engraving in a production process of an ink stamp to be burnt and vaporized while preventing melting in any other unwanted region. The porous material for ink stamps comprises: at least one thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and ethylene-acrylic copolymer; at least one thermoplastic elastomer selected from a plurality of different hydrogenated styrene based thermoplastic elastomers; and at least one filler selected from a plurality of different inorganic compounds, wherein the thermoplastic resin and/or the thermoplastic elastomer are cross-linked, and formed in a continuous pore structure.

Abstract: Provided are methods for producing a high strength, but easily deformed, polystyrene foam board that can endure repeated deformations from its original configuration into more complex curved shapes without damaging the board integrity or substantially reducing its structural strength. Also provided are rigid polystyrene foam boards produced by this method that exhibit improved bending and impact resistance while substantially retaining or improving other properties, for example, the thermal dimensional stability and fire resistance, exhibited by corresponding conventional XPS foam boards. The foamable compositions may incorporate one or more of a variety of polymer processing aids for the purpose of altering the performance of the final foam products, thereby allowing the properties of the final foam product to be customized to some degree.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a branched aromatic ionomer, and a process of making it, by co-polymerizing a first monomer comprising an aromatic moiety and an unsaturated alkyl moiety and a second monomer represented by the general formula: [R-AZ]y-MX wherein R is a hydrocarbon chain having from 2 to 40 carbons and at least one polymerizable unsaturation; A is an anionic group; M is a cationic group; Z is ?1 or ?2; X is +1, +2, +3, +4, or +5; and y is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4. The branched aromatic ionomer has a melt flow index ranging from 1.0 g/10 min. to 13 g/10 min. Optionally the melt flow index ranges from 1.3 g/min. to 1.9 g/10 min.

Abstract: A method for producing styrene-modified linear low-density polyethylene-based resin particles, which includes the steps of: dispersing 100 parts by weight of non-crosslinked linear low-density polyethylene-based resin particles which are polymerized using a metallocene compound as a catalyst and contain an inorganic nucleating agent, 50 to 800 parts by weight of a styrene-based monomer and 0.1 to 0.9 parts by weight of a polymerization initiator relative to 100 parts by weight of the styrene-based monomer into an aqueous suspension containing a dispersant; impregnating the polyethylene-based resin particles with the styrene-based monomer under heating the resulting dispersion at such a temperature that the styrene-based monomer does not substantially polymerize; and performing polymerization of the styrene-based monomer at a temperature of (T+10) to (T+35)° C. where T° C. is a crystallization peak temperature of the polyethylene-based resin particles.

Abstract: Expanded composite polystyrene-based resin particles having a plurality of cells and cell membranes separating the plurality of cells, said cell membranes including a polystyrene-based resin forming a continuous phase and polyacrylic acid alkyl ester-based resin fine particles dispersed in said continuous phase to form a dispersed phase, and said polystyrene-based resin being complexed with said polyacrylic acid alkyl ester-based resin fine particles, wherein said dispersed phase is present in the form of a plurality of layers in a cell membrane thickness direction in a cell membrane cross-section of said expanded composite polystyrene-based resin particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foam polystyrene-based bead. The foam polystyrene-based bead includes: a core containing a styrene-based resin, a char-generating thermoplastic resin, and an expanded inorganic material; and a skin disposed on the surface of the core, wherein the skin contains a resin of which the glass transition temperature is below around 120° C. The foam is contained in the core or skin. The core may further include a carbon filler. Foam produced from the expandable polystyrene beads is not an inherently self-extinguishing flame retardant material yet can have good non-flammability comparable to or better than that of inherently flame retardant materials (Non flammability level 3) as measured in accordance with KS F ISO 5660-1, heat insulation properties, and mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extruded thermoplastic resin foam, particularly relates to a board extruded thermoplastic resin which has low heat conductivity, an excellent heat insulating property over a long period of time, high flame retardancy, and excellent mechanical strength. The extruded thermoplastic resin foam having an apparent density of 20 to 50 kg/m3, a closed cells ratio of 85% or more and a thickness of 10 to 150 mm, and containing a non-halogen organic physical blowing agent, wherein the thermoplastic resin composing the extruded foam contains a mixture of 100 parts by weight of a polystyrene resin (A) and 5 to 150 parts by weight of a polyester resin (B), and an endothermic calorific value of the polyester resin (B) less than 5 J/g (including 0) for fusion of the polyester resin on a DSC curve obtained by heat flux differential scanning calorimetry based on JIS K7122 (1987).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of preparing a fused aerogel-polymer composite in which aerogel and an organic polymer is mixed in a dry state to adsorb polymer particles on the surface of the aerogel and are then subjected to thermal treatment, thus forming a polymer coating on the aerogel. The fused aerogel-polymer composite can be used for thermal insulation in a variety of applications. The fused aerogel-polymer composite exhibits high thermal insulation properties and superior physical strength and processability while still maintaining the properties of an aerogel that does not have a polymer coated on its surface.

Abstract: Provided are methods for producing a high strength, but easily deformed, polystyrene foam board that can endure repeated deformations from its original configuration into more complex curved shapes without damaging the board integrity or substantially reducing its structural strength. Also provided are rigid polystyrene foam boards produced by this method that exhibit improved bending and impact resistance while substantially retaining or improving other properties, for example, the thermal dimensional stability and fire resistance, exhibited by corresponding conventional XPS foam boards. The foamable compositions may incorporate one or more of a variety of polymer processing aids for the purpose of altering the performance of the final foam products, thereby allowing the properties of the final foam product to be customized to some degree.

Abstract: The invention relates to unique applications for the novel high melt flow, low viscosity, selectively hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene (hSBS) or selectively hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene-butadiene/styrene-styrene (hSBSS) block copolymers, wherein the melt flow rate of said block copolymer is at least 100 g/10 min at 230° C. under 2.16 kg mass according to ASTM D1238. These block copolymers are novel and have the highest melt flow rate of any styrenic block copolymer also possessing high strength and elasticity. It has applications that prior to the present invention were not normally possible due to the normal low melt flow rate of styrenic block copolymers. The present invention also encompasses various fields of use such as a fiberglass hSBS or hSBSS reinforced mat, low viscosity hSBS or hSBSS coatings for industrial uses, hot melt adhesives prepared from hSBS or hSBSS blended with polyalpha-olefins, and elastic film, fiber, and nonwoven constructions using hSBS or hSBSS.

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 method of preparing a polystyrene blend that includes combining a first polystyrene composition having a first melt flow index with a second polystyrene composition having a second melt flow index and forming a polystyrene blend, the second melt flow index being at least 2 dg/min higher that the first melt flow index. The polystyrene blend has an observed tensile strength value greater than 3% above the expected tensile strength value. The second polystyrene composition can include a recycled polystyrene material, which can include expanded polystyrene. An alternate method of preparing the polystyrene blend includes combining a polystyrene composition with a styrene monomer to form a reaction mixture, polymerizing the reaction mixture and obtaining a polystyrene blend, where the polystyrene containing composition has a melt flow index at least 2 dg/min higher than the melt flow index of the styrene monomer after it has been polymerized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of foam moulded parts. Further the present invention relates to foamed moulded parts. The present method comprises the following steps: i) providing polymer foam granules, ii) mixing the polymer foam granules with a glue composition, iii) addition of a heat transfer medium to the mixture obtained in step ii) in order to obtain a foamed moulded part.

Abstract: It concerns a crosslinkable and foaming polyester-polyurethane resin moulding composition, comprising: an A component, comprising: A1) at least one poly-functional isocyanate compound, and A2) at least one free radical polymerization initiator a B component, comprising by weight: B1) 100 parts of at least one polyol resin comprising: —B11) 50 to 80 parts of at least one ethylenically unsaturated polyester polyol—B 12) 20 to 50 parts of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, with, B11), being the reaction product of: a) an acid component comprising: a1) at least one ethylenically unsaturated diacid, and a2) at least one saturated diacid with a1/a2 molar ratio so varying to have an unsaturation content in B11) from 0.25/1 to 5/1, and, b) a diol component in excess with respect to component a) B2) from 0.01 to 1.

Abstract: A resin composition for injection molding comprising (I) 70-90 wt. parts of a propylene polymer resin having a MFR of at least 30 g/10 min. but smaller than 200 g/10 min. as measured at 230° C. according to ASTM D-1238, (II) 5-25 wt. parts of an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer having a melt strength (MS160) of larger than 50 mN but not larger than 300 mN as measured at 160° C., and (III) 5-25 wt. parts of an olefin polymer resin having a density of at least 850 kg/m3 but not larger than 930 kg/m3 as measured according to JIS K6760, and a melt strength (MS160) of smaller than 30 mN as measured at 160° C., wherein the sum of (I), (II) and (III) is 100 wt. parts. This resin composition gives an injection molded article exhibiting enhanced impact strength at a low temperature and having no or minimized flow marks on the surface thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to lignocellulosic materials having a core and two outer layers, containing in the core A) lignocellulose particles; B) expanded plastics particles having a bulk density in the range from 10 to 150 kg/m3, C) one or more binders selected from the group consisting of aminoplast resin, phenoplast resin, and organic isocyanate having at least two isocyanate groups, and D) optionally additives and in the outer layers E) lignocellulose particles, F) one or more binders selected from the group consisting of aminoplast resin, phenol-formaldehyde resin, and organic isocyanate having at least two isocyanate groups, and where the lignocellulose particles of the outer layers E comprise at least 25% by weight of lignocellulosic chips and the expanded plastics particles B are present in nonuniform distribution in the core.

Abstract: A method for producing styrene-modified polyethylene-based resin beads, including the steps of: dispersing 100 parts by weight of polyethylene-based resin beads which contain an inorganic nucleating agent and have a melting point of 95° C. to 115° C., 20 parts by weight or more and less than 300 parts by weight of a styrene-based monomer and a polymerization initiator into an aqueous suspension containing a dispersant; impregnating the polyethylene-based resin beads with the styrene-based monomer under heating the resulting dispersion at such a temperature that the styrene-based monomer does not substantially polymerize; and performing polymerization of the styrene-based monomer at a temperature of (T)° C. to (T+25)° C. (where T° C. is a melting point of the polyethylene-based resin beads.

Abstract: Provided are a kind of high selectivity polymeric adsorbents with amide functional groups based on the hydrogen bonding interaction, which is prepared by adequately swelling a DVB-co-MA copolymer of 6% crosslinking degree as the initial resin with dimethyl formamide, performing an amination reaction by adding a diamine, soaking the dried resultant yellow resin with an acylating agent that is a dianhydride, and performing an acylation reaction to obtain the polymeric adsorbent with amide functional groups of the invention. The polymeric adsorbent of the invention can be used to effectively isolate and purify the active ingredients, i.e., flavones and lactones, from the extract of ginkgo leaf.

Abstract: There is provided a shoe sole component that has properties such as strength and cushioning property that are suppressed from being changed even under a wide temperature range from severe cold at ?10° C. or lower to high temperature conditions exceeding 30° C. A shoe sole component includes a cross-linked foam of a resin composition, the resin composition containing a thermoplastic polyolefin resin, in which tan ? (?20° C. to 40° C.) at a frequency of 10 Hz measured according to JIS K 7244-4 is 0.01 to 0.5, and tan ? (?20° C.)/tan ? (40° C.) at a frequency of 10 Hz is 0.7 to 1.3.

Abstract: Provided herein are graft copolymers of polyfarnesenes with condensation polymers; and methods of making and using the graft copolymers disclosed herein. The graft copolymers are obtained from the reaction of a polycondensation polymer with a modified polyfarnesene obtained from reaction of a polyfarnesene with a modifier in the presence of a grafting initiator. In certain embodiments, the condensation polymers include polyesters, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyethers, phenol-formaldehyde resins, urea-formaldehyde resins, melamine-formaldehyde resins and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the polyfarnesenes include farnesene homopolymers derived from a farnesene, and farnesene interpolymers derived from a farnesene and at least a vinyl monomer. In certain embodiments, the farnesene is prepared from a sugar by using a microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pencil comprising a core within a barrel, wherein the band composition consists of (a) at least one styrene-butadiene copolymer, (b) at least one styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, (c) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of styrene polymer, styrene-acrylonitrile polymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer, acrylic-styrene-methylmethacrylate copolymer, or a combination thereof; and optionally (d) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a filler, a wax, a porogen, a blowing agent, a foaming agent, a coloring agent, or a combination thereof. The present invention also relates to a method for the preparation of said pencil and to the use thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition that can be thermally cured, containing relative to the total composition, a) 5 to 90% by weight of a diene-based polymer or copolymer containing an olefinic double bond and/or an aromatically substituted olefin, wherein the polymer or copolymer is liquid, or paste-like, at 22° C. and has a glass transition temperature between ?30° C. and +15° C., measured according to a DSC method; b) a vulcanization system selected from the group consisting of: b1) sulfur, and one or more accelerator(s), b2) peroxidic or disulfidic vulcanization systems, b3) quinones, quinone dioximes, or dinitrosobenzene.

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: A foamed resin composition includes syndiotactic polystyrene, and a polyolefin resin of not less than 5.3 parts by weight and not more than 54 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the syndiotactic polystyrene. Alternatively, a foamed resin composition includes syndiotactic polystyrene, and fluorine-resin-containing powder of not less than 0.5 parts by weight and not more than 10 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the syndiotactic polystyrene.

Abstract: Methods of processing high service temperature crosslinked thermoplastic gels are provided. The methods include combining (a) an oil-swelled physically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer gel comprising at least one functional group configured to chemically crosslink in the presence of a crosslinker and (b) a crosslinker; maintaining the combination of the physically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer gel and the crosslinker at a temperature at which they remain substantially unreacted; subsequently heating the combination to a temperature at which the oil-swelled physically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer gel reacts with the crosslinker.

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 poly(arylene ether) composition includes a styrenic polymer, a flame retardant comprising an organophosphate ester, and a poly(arylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer reaction product. The poly(arylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer reaction product includes a poly(arylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer and a poly(arylene ether) homopolymer. The composition is useful for forming molded articles, including photovoltaic junction boxes and connectors. The composition exhibits stiffness and a good balance of flame retardancy, impact strength, flow, and heat resistance.

Abstract: Provided are methods for producing a high strength, but easily deformed, polystyrene foam board that can endure repeated deformations from its original configuration into more complex curved shapes without damaging the board integrity or substantially reducing its structural strength. Also provided are rigid polystyrene foam boards produced by this method that exhibit improved bending and impact resistance while substantially retaining or improving other properties, for example, the thermal dimensional stability and fire resistance, exhibited by corresponding conventional XPS foam boards. The foamable compositions may incorporate one or more of a variety of polymer processing aids for the purpose of altering the performance of the final foam products, thereby allowing the properties of the final foam product to be customized to some degree.

Abstract: A process for producing a microporous polymeric object to improve the degree of freedom for its various properties, compared to conventional processes, includes: mixing a block copolymer made of three or more kinds of segments with a polymer, wherein one or more of the segments are made of monomer units having a first functional group forming ionic and/or hydrogen bond, the segments constitute a co-continuous structure having mutually-independent and continuous regions due to a phase separation based on incompatibility between the segments, and the polymer has, at other than polymer chain terminals, a second functional group forming such bond with the first functional group, thereby allowing the segments to associate with the polymer at many points; forming a co-continuous structure including a region composed of the polymer and the segments due to the phase separation; and removing the polymer from the region by weakening the bond between the functional groups.

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: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, an infrared attenuating agent, and a polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the blowing agent contains an HFC. The maleic anhydride-styrene copolymer grafted with polyethylene oxide increases the cell size of the polymer foam and offsets or even negates the decreased cell size caused by an HFC blowing agent and/or infrared attenuating agents. In addition, 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. A method of forming an extruded foam product is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for assembling building blocks of colloidal particles and also for shaping of colloids for self-assembly for manufacturing, processing and formation of compositions of matter. A first type of particle is selected as a “key” particle constructed to mate with a “lock” particle, the binding arising from depletion forces. A variety of shapes can be used to carry out this method and system to create compositions of matter. Colloids can be shaped by controlled deformation of multiphase colloid particles.

Abstract: A process for producing a microporous polymeric object to improve the degree of freedom for its various properties, compared to conventional processes, includes: mixing a block copolymer made of three or more kinds of segments with a polymer, wherein one or more of the segments are made of monomer units having a first functional group forming ionic and/or hydrogen bond, the segments constitute a co-continuous structure having mutually-independent and continuous regions due to a phase separation based on incompatibility between the segments, and the polymer has, at other than polymer chain terminals, a second functional group forming such bond with the first functional group, thereby allowing the segments to associate with the polymer at many points; forming a co-continuous structure including a region composed of the polymer and the segments due to the phase separation; and removing the polymer from the region by weakening the bond between the functional groups.

Abstract: The product is produced from a settable aqueous calcium sulphate dispersion which has a water to solids ratio of less than 0.4 to 1, and has distributed therethrough lightweight hollow bodies having water-impervious surfaces (such as expanded polystyrene beads). The dispersion contains a hydratable cement (such as calcium sulpho aluminate) which is capable of hydration in the presence of the calcium sulphate dispersion. The hydratable cement is such that it reacts with excess water in the dispersion thereby enhancing the water resistance of the resulting product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foam which maintains high hardness while being lightweight and has excellent peel strength and permanent compression set, and a foamable composition used to obtain the aforementioned foam. A foamable composition comprising (A) an olefin-based copolymer; (B) a copolymer that is (B-I) and/or (B-II) described below, (B-I) a vinyl aromatic-based copolymer comprising a vinyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, and/or a vinyl aromatic-based copolymer comprising a vinyl aromatic compound and alkylene,(B-II) an ethylene-based copolymer having an unsaturated group; (C) an inorganic filler; (D) an organic silane coupling agent; and (E) a foaming agent; wherein a mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (B), (A/B), is from 5/95 to 100/0; an amount of the component (C) is from 0.5 to 35 mass parts, and an amount of the component (E) is from 0.