Abstract: A non-halogenated, fire retardant, expandable poly (arylene ether)/polystyrene blends is produced by the method comprising, in a first step, forming a fire retardant mixture comprising a non-halogenated fire retardant, poly(arylene ether) resin and polystyrene resin by intimately mixing in melt; and in a second step, forming the non-halogenated, fire retardant, expandable poly (arylene ether)/polystyrene blend by intimately mixing in melt the fire retardant mixture with a blowing agent.

Abstract: A thermoplastic article, and the method for making the same. The article is formed of a closed cell foam thermoplastic or substantially solid thermoplastic strengthened with diatomaceous earth having less than about two percent moisture.

Abstract: A laminate comprising a pair of thermoplastic resin members having fluctuation of clearance between the adhesion surfaces thereof, and a thermoplastic material foam layer which adheres the pair of the thermoplastic resin members. This laminate is formed from thermoplastic resin as a whole and can absorb the fluctuation of clearance between the members, and the thermoplastic resin members are firmly adhered with the thermoplastic material foam layer.

Abstract: Foamed thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer is formed by heating a foamable thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer-containing polymeric composition containing each of a first water-releasing blowing agent which is at least one of metal hydroxide and water hydrate of a salt of a metal of Group 1 or Group 2 of the Periodic Table and a second blowing agent which is neither a metal hydroxide nor a water hydrate of a salt of a metal of Group 1 or Group 2 of the Periodic Table, to a temperature above the melting point of the polyolefin elastomer. The second blowing agent may be a chemical blowing agent and may release, water, a mixture of water and carbon dioxide or another gas, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides thick extruded foam which is extruded polyolefin resin foam having open cells, used for cushion material and packaging material and the like, which exhibits uniform physical product properties, high expansion ratio, and uniform cell diameter. The extruded open cell foam of the present invention is an extruded foam exhibiting an open cell foaming ratio of 50% or greater, the base resin whereof is principally composed of a mixed polymer consisting of 4.5 to 75 parts by weight of component A consisting of an ethylene ionomer resin, 0.5 to 30 parts by weight of component B consisting of a polyolefin resin having a melting point exceeding 120° C., and 20 to 95 parts by weight of component C consisting of one or two or more polymers selected from a group of ethylene-propylene rubbers, styrene elastomers, and polyethylene resins having melting points of 120° C. or lower (where component A+component B+component C=100 parts by weight).

Abstract: The invention relates to antimicrobial foam materials with amino alcohols, their preparation, and their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of fabricating composite membranes wherein at least one of the components is initially provided in the form of a precursor. The composite material comprising the precursor is processed to transform the precursor and obtain a membrane having a desired property. Including a thermoplastic precursor to a desired component, which itself is less thermoplastic, permits separate pieces of the membrane to be joined by welding or other thermal processes relying on the meltability of the components to achieve a bond. The invention also encompasses fabricating a reinforced ion conducting membrane by melting and mixing a non ion-conducting precursor to an ion-conducting polymer with an essentially inert polymer. The composite material is then processed to transform the non ion-conducting polymer into the ion-conducting form.

Abstract: A vibration damping, resinous, open cell cellular body is disclosed. The body has a base material thereof which consists essentially of a mixture of a tri-block copolymer as a combination of polystyrene and vinyl-polyisoprene and an ethylene series resin. In a method of manufacture, the mixture is blended and kneaded with a foaming agent and a crosslinking agent to form a foamable and crosslinkable composition. The composition is heated in a non-airtight mold to foam, thereby forming a cellular body with cells therein. The cellular body is then mechanically deformed to cause cells therein to be interconnected, thereby producing the open cell cellular body.

Abstract: A foam and pre-foam production process, and a foam and a pre-foam is described. The process comprises the steps of: forming a pre-foam composition comprising oil(s), thermoplastic elastomer(s) and heat expandable thermoplastic particles encapsulating heat expandable gas or liquified gas, the said particles being present in an amount which provides the required foam cell density. A heat treating step for the said composition to cause the particles to expand and produce a foam from the said composition is also described.

Abstract: An acoustical insulation foam having, either with or without elastification, an Asker C hardness of less than about 65, a density of about 5 to about 150 kg/m3, a cell size of about 0.

Abstract: Foams made from a ternary blend of an alkenyl aromatic polymer such as polystyrene, an &agr;-olefin polymer such as polyethylene, and a substantially random interpolymer as compatibilizer, are used as cushion packaging. The cushion packaging foams are soft, dimensionally stable and exhibit good cushioning properties.

Abstract: Porous dielectric materials having low dielectric constants useful in electronic component manufacture are disclosed along with methods of preparing the porous dielectric materials. Also disclosed are methods of forming integrated circuits containing such porous dielectric materials.

Abstract: The melt of polyvinyl aromatic polymers comprising from 10 to 45 weight % of star branched polymer prepared using a combination of thermal and tetra functional peroxide initiation has an improved melt strength permitting better foam formation for extrusion foam blown with conventional blowing agents and inert gases including CO2.

Abstract: Foams prepared from a blend of a syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) resin and a foamable thermoplastic polymer resin are provided which exhibit a combination of desirable properties which have heretofore been difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. The foams of the present invention are useful in applications such as thermal insulation, packaging, and the formation of molded articles such as cups, and trays.

Abstract: A polymeric roofing shingle composition is shown which includes (a) a rubber component present in the range from about 10-95% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition and (b) a polyolefin component present in the range from about 5-50% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. A SBR/EVA closed cell rubber composition can be formulated which has a weight of less than 150 pounds per roofing square for ⅛ inch thickness and which is flame retardant at thicknesses of ⅛ inch and higher without the addition of separate flame retardant components.

Abstract: A foamable rubber composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a nitrile group-containing highly saturated copolymer rubber, 5 to 100 parts by weight of polyethylene, 3 to 100 parts by weight of a metal salt of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of an organic peroxide and 1 to 15 parts by weight of a foaming agent is foamed and shaped into a foamed rubber product.

Abstract: An acoustical insulation foam having, either with or without elastification, an Asker C hardness of less than about 65, a density of about 5 to about 150 kg/m3, a cell size of about 0.05 to about 15 mm, an open cell content of 0 to about 100 volume percent, a thickness of about 1 to about 200 mm, and a width of about 100 to about 3000 mm; comprising; (A) one or more alkenyl aromatic polymers, (B) one or more substantially random interpolymers and (C) optionally, one or more nucleating agents and (D) optionally, one or more other additives; and (E) one or more blowing agents.

Abstract: A low dielectric constant material has a polymeric network that is fabricated from a first and a second component. The first component comprises a polymeric strand, and the second component comprises a molecule having a central portion with at least three arms extending from the central portion, wherein each of the arms includes a backbone with a reactive group. The first component and the second component form the polymeric network in a reaction that involves at least one of the reactive groups when the first and second components are thermally activated. Contemplated low dielectric constant materials are advantageously employed in the fabrication of electronic devices, and particularly contemplated devices include integrated circuits.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a composition and a process for preparing a closed cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam having enlarged cell size, comprising one or more alkenyl aromatic polymers, one or more substantially random interpolymers, one or more blowing agents having zero ozone depletion potential and optionally one or more co-blowing agents, and optionally, one or more nucleating agents and optionally, one or more other additives. This combination allows the manufacture of closed cell, low density alkenyl aromatic polymer foams of enlarged cell size, when blowing agents of relatively high nucleation potential are employed. When such blowing agents are used with alkenyl aromatic polymers in the absence of the substantially random interpolymers, small cell foams result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium density chlorinated polyvinyl chloride foam and the method of preparing such a foam. The foam having a specific gravity in the range of about 0.3 to about 1.5 comprises chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, a nitrogen containing decomposition type blowing agent, a tin stabilizer, a costabilizer and a high molecular weight process aid.

Abstract: A foamed closure for a container, wherein the closure consists essentially of (a) a major proportion of at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and copolymers of ethylene; and (b) a minor proportion of at least one resilient compound. The resilient compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, metallocene catalyzed polyolefins, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymers or styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymers.

Abstract: A process for making a macrocellular acoustic foam is disclosed in which a foamable gel made of a blowing agent and a polymeric resin composition is subjected to an extrusion process at a die pressure greater than the prefoaming critical die pressure but less than or equal to four times that of said prefoaming critical die pressure and macrocellular foams obtainable by that process are also disclosed which are made of:

Abstract: A tapered stepped land having a choked funnel section which terminates in a lateral longitudinal section results in the formation of a foamed extrudate of a vulcanized blend of polyolefin and rubber which is a mass of closed cells having a specific gravity in the range from about 0.1 to 0.5 and the cells are sheathed in a dense non-porous, smoothly continuous skin which is formed integrally with the extrudate. The dense skin makes it possible to deposit a thin slip-coating of a low friction material longitudinally upon a chosen portion of the surface. An extruded weatherseal for the glass of an automobile's window has the slip-coating deposited as a thin film on a contacting strip of a surface which is in contact with the glass.

Abstract: Foams comprising blends of thermoplastic and thermoset materials wherein the thermoset forms a discontinuous phase in a continuous thermoplastic phase are described. Foams comprising an uncured thermoset and unreacted radiation-activatable curing agent in a thermoplastic matrix are also described. Additionally described are batch and continuous methods for making the foams. Particular uses for the foams, such as flexographic mounting tapes, are also described.

Abstract: A sheet, film, fiber, foam or latex prepared from a blend of polymeric materials comprising a plurality of substantially random interpolymers comprising vinyl aromatic and ethylene and/or alpha olefin monomers and wherein: a) the amount of polymer units derived from said vinyl aromatic monomer in any interpolymer component differs from that amount in another interpolymer component by at least 0.5 mole percent; b) the amount of polymer units derived from said vinyl aromatic monomer in the blend is greater than about 19 mole percent; and wherein c) the observed stress relaxation of the resulting blend is greater than the additive stress relaxation of the of the individual blend components.

Abstract: Nanoporous materials are fabricated from polymers having backbones with reactive groups used in crosslinking. In one aspect of preferred methods and compositions, the reactive groups in the backbone comprise a diene and a dienophile. The diene may advantageously comprise a tetracyclone, and the dienophile may advantageously comprise an ethynyl. In another aspect of preferred methods and compositions, the reactive groups in the backbone are included in a conjugated system. Especially preferred polymeric strands comprise a poly(arylene ether) synthesized from a difluoroaromatic portion and an aromatic bisphenolic portion. It is still more preferred that the difluoroaromatic portions of the poly(arylene ether) are modified in such a way that some difluoroaromatic portions carry a thermolabile portion. In still other aspects crosslinking may advantageously occur without reliance on an exogenous crosslinker.

Abstract: This invention provides a thermoplastic polymer foam having a density of up to 800 kg/m3. The foam is made from a hydrogenated vinyl aromatic polymer that contains pendant cycloaliphatic groups. This polymer is conveniently made by hydrogenating a poly(vinyl aromatic) polymer such as polystyrene or a polystyrene-butadiene block copolymer. A suitable blowing agent is a mixture comprising (a) one or more fluorine-containing carbon compounds and (b) carbon dioxide, nitrogen, an alcohol having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a linear or cyclic hydrocarbon having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a ketone, an alkyl ether, an alkyl halide, water or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Processes for producing alkenyl aromatic foams utilizing a cycloaliphatic gas as blowing agent, are described. Also disclosed are alkenyl aromatic foams produced by the process which exhibit increased thermal insulation properties.

Abstract: Process for preparing a flexible foam by reacting a prepolymer having an NCO value of 3-15% by weight, which is the reaction product obtained by reacting an excessive amount of a polyisocyanate with a polyether polyol or a mixture of such polyols, said polyol or mixture having an average nominal hydroxyl functionality of from 2 to 6, an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of from 500 to 5000 and an oxyethylene content of at least 50% by weight, with water, the amount of water being 15-500 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of prepolymer, at the start of the reaction the temperature of the prepolymer being 10-50° C. and the temperature of the water being 10-50° C. higher than the temperature of the prepolymer and a process for preparing a flexible foam by reacting the above prepolymer with water in the presence of a superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing foam board or sheet including the steps of (A) forming a foamable mixture of (1) a major amount of a styrenic polymer having a high melt index, (2) a minor amount of a low melt index styrenic polymer, and (3) a blowing agent containing a major amount of carbon dioxide under a pressure sufficient to prevent prefoaming of the mixture, and (B) foaming the mixture into a region of reduced pressure to form a foam product.

Abstract: There is provided a foamed article having a low density, large thickness, a high closed cell ratio and a small average cell diameter. A foamed extrusion article having a density of 50 to 10 kg/m3 and a closed cell ratio of at least 40% is obtained by mixing a mixed resin comprising (a) 50 to 95 parts by weight of a polypropylene resin having a melt tension at 230° C. of at least 0.05 N, (b) 50 to 5 parts by weight of a polystyrene resin, and (c) 0.5 to 15.0 parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer of styrene, isoprene and styrene based on 100 parts by weight of the polypropylene resin (a) and the polystyrene resin (b) with a foaming agent in an extruder, and then releasing into a low-pressure zone.

Abstract: Polystyrene-based foam material for the production of for example label material, wherein the foaming has been made with a blowing agent and preferably a nucleating agent, wherein the blowing agent is for example a decomposable blowing agent (chemical blowing agent) or consists of for example carbon dioxide, nitrogen gas or even water, and with a thermoplastic elastomeric blend composition consisting of at least one styrenic block copolymer and one homogeneously branched ethylene-interpolymer.

Abstract: Process for producing alkenyl aromtic foams utilizing a cycloaliphatic gas as blowing agent, are described. Also disclosed are alkenyl aromatic foams produced by the process which exhibit increased thermal insulation properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric article,comprising the following steps: heating a mixture comprising a thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group comprising styrene based thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers, and an effective amount of a water releasing chemical compound, to a temperature at which the water releasing chemical compound releases water, which is above the melting point of the thermoplastic elastomer, and releasing the resulting heated mixture to atmospheric conditions. The invention also relates to a foamable polymeric composition as well as to a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric article.

Abstract: A method of producing a substantially open-cell, expanded polystyrene sheet, comprising the steps of: forming a mixture comprising from 30 to 95% of polystyrene incorporating an aliphatic hydrocarbon with 4-6 carbon atoms, from 0 to 65% of polystyrene, and from 0.2 to 10% of a nucleating agent, mixing the mixture obtained and melting it by heating inside an extruder, bringing the mixture to a temperature of 130-150° C. in the final portion of the extruder, extruding the mixture in a lower-pressure atmosphere to produce an expanded sheet, which has a low density and a high capacity to absorb aqueous liquids, particularly if a surfactant is added to the starting mixture, and which, when coupled with two films of plastics material gives rise to a laminate suitable for the production, by thermoforming, of trays for foods which may release aqueous liquids.

Abstract: A soft foam having an Asker C hardness of less than about 65, comprising; (A) from about 30 to about 70 percent by weight (based on the combined weight of Components A and B) of one or more alkenyl aromatic polymers and wherein at least one of said alkenyl aromatic polymers has a molecular weight (Mw) of from about 100,000 to about 500,000; and (B) from about 30 to about 70 percent by weight (based on the combined weight of Components A and B) of one or more substantially random interpolymers having an I2 of about 0.1 to about 50 g/10 min, an Mw/Mn of about 1.

Abstract: A polymeric composition to be used in producing foam in which the polymeric composition comprises high density polyethylene, alkenyl aromatic polymer and a resiliency modifier resin. The high density polyethylene is in an amount of from about 5 to 45 weight percent of the polymeric composition. The high density polyethylene has a z-average molecular weight, Mz, greater than about 1,000,000. The alkenyl aromatic polymer is in the amount of from about 3 to about 45 weight percent of the polymeric composition. The resiliency modifier resin is in the amount of from 10 to about 85 weight percent of the polymeric composition.

Abstract: Foamable modified polystyrene resin particles (E) comprising a particle of a modified polystyrene resin (C) containing a blowing agent (D), wherein the modified polystyrene resin (C) comprises conjugated diene polymer rubber particles (B) dispersed uniformly throughout a polystyrene resin (A) and when the foamable modified polystyrene resin particle (E) is expanded, there is substantially no deformation of the rubber particles (B) before and after the expansion. A foamed article of a modified polystyrene resin which has a cell membrane of the modified polystyrene resin comprising a polystyrene resin and conjugated diene polymer rubber particles dispersed uniformly throughout the polystyrene resin and has a fusion rate of not less than 50%, wherein the rubber particles maintain substantially spherical form in the cell membrane.

Abstract: An acoustical insulation foam having, either with or without elastification, an Asker C hardness of less than about 65, a density of about 5 to about 150 kg/m3, a cell size of about 0.05 to about 15 mm, an open cell content of 0 to about 100 volume percent, a thickness of about 1 to about 200 mm, and a width of about 100 to about 3000 mm; comprising; (A) one or more alkenyl aromatic polymers, (B) one or more substantially random interpolymers and (C) optionally, one or more nucleating agents and (D) optionally, one or more other additives; and (E) one or more blowing agents.

Abstract: Nanoporous polymeric materials are fabricated in which polymeric strands are crosslinked via ring structures. Preferred ring structures are formed de novo during crosslinking, and at least some of the ring structures are preferably included in the backbones of the strands. At least one of the ring structures may advantageously comprise an aromatic structure, and may more advantageously comprise a benzyl moiety. Especially preferred polymers comprise a poly(arylene ether) synthesized from a difluoroaromatic portion and an aromatic bisphenolic portion. In another preferred aspect, the difluoroaromatic portions of the poly(arylene ether) carry at least two different crosslinking functionalities. In an even more preferred aspect, the crosslinking functionalities comprise an ethynyl and a tetracyclone. Nanoporosity is preferably introduced by thermolyzing one or more thermolabile portions in the crosslinked polymer. An especially preferred thermolabile portion comprises ethylene glycol-poly(caprolactone).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive foam with a percentage of theoretical density less than 90, wherein the foam has a peel adhesion of greater than about 1 N/cm and a compression set under constant deflection of less than about 60%. The present invention further includes a pressure sensitive adhesive foam comprising a thermoplastic block copolymer, a tackifying resin; an isocyanate terminated monomer or oligomer; a polymer comprising a backbone selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene, polyester and polyether, wherein the polymer contains at least 2 active hydrogens capable of reacting with the isocyanate terminated monomer; and expandable particulate materials. The present invention further includes a pressure sensitive adhesive foam comprising a thermoplastic olefin polymer or copolymer, having a density less than 0.

Abstract: A polymer blend foam having smooth skin and/or an open-cell content of at least 20 volume percent, a crosslinked gel content of no greater than 10 percent, a minimum cross-sectional area of at least 1000 mm.sup.2, and a density of no greater than 250 kg/m.sup.3. The blend includes (A) a substantially random interpolymer having polymerized therein (1) a vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomer and/or a sterically hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinyl or vinylidene monomer, and (2) one or more of ethylene and a C.sub.3-20 aliphatic .alpha.-olefin; and (B) an olefin polymer based on one or more of ethylene, C.sub.3-20 aliphatic .alpha.-olefins, and C.sub.3-20 aliphatic .alpha.-olefins containing polar groups. The olefin polymer (B) lacks any of the vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomers found in (A).

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided in which nanoporous polymeric materials are produced via stable, polymeric template strands having reactive groups that can be used for forming crosslinking functionalities and/or adding thermolabile groups, wherein at least some of the thermolabile groups are thermolyzed to produce voids. The template strands preferably comprise aromatic systems and vicinal keto groups, such as a polybenzil formed from fluorene bisphenol or 3,3'-dihydroxytolane with 4,4'-difluorobenzil. At least some of the reactive groups preferably react using an addition-elimination reaction. Especially preferred thermolabile groups comprise poly(propylene oxide), and especially preferred crosslinkers comprise ethynyl-moiety and tetracyclone moieties.

Abstract: The present invention is a freeze-dried polystyrene-polysiloxane foam having a density of 0.05 to 0.8 grams per cubic centimeter and a void volume of 20 to 99 percent. These foams exhibit good compressibility and rebound and are useful in insulation and sound-deadening applications.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a tire tread comprising a foamed rubber composition prepared by blending 100 parts by weight of at least one rubber component selected from the group consisting of natural rubber and diene based synthetic rubbers with 1 to 40 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin having a melting point of 120 to 130.degree. C., a density of 0.92 to 0.935 and a softening point of 80 to 110.degree. C., and a pneumatic tire using the above rubber composition for a tire tread part. The above thermoplastic resin is preferably a linear polyethylene or a modified linear polyethylene obtained by modifying a part of a linear polyethylene.

Abstract: A soft foam having an Asker C hardness of less than about 65, comprising;(A) from about 30 to about 70 percent by weight (based on the combined weight of Components A and B) of one or more alkenyl aromatic polymers and wherein at least one of said alkenyl aromatic polymers has a molecular weight (M.sub.w) of from about 100,000 to about 500,000; and(B) from about 30 to about 70 percent by weight (based on the combined weight of Components A and B) of one or more substantially random interpolymers; and(C) optionally, one or more nucleating agents; and(D) optionally, one or more other additives; and(E) one or more blowing agents present in a total amount of from about 0.4 to about 5.0 gram-moles per kilogram (based on the combined weight of Components A and B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymeric compound comprising(a) 100 parts by weight of a block copolymer comprising at least two external monovinyl aromatic hydrocarbon blocks and at least one internal hydrogenated conjugated diene block, wherein the total monovinyl aromatic hydrocarbon content is from 20 to 50% by weight and the total apparent molecular weight is from 140,000 g/mol to 400,000 g/mol;(b) 50 to 250 phr of a plasticiser;(c) 10 to 100 phr of a polybutene-1 polymer having a melt index at 2.16 kg/190.degree. C. of from 0.05 to 400;(d) a blowing agent.The present invention further relates to use of the compound for the preparation of foamed compounds; to a foaming process; to a masterbatch blend; to a foamed compound; and to articles containing the foamed compound.

Abstract: A process for producing structural thermoplastic foam is provided which involves gas expansion of a melted thermoplastic resin composition containing an amount of a polyolefin resin effective as a 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 polyolefin nucleating agent. The process and compositions are useful in the production of structural thermoplastic foam articles.

Abstract: A constrained layer damping structure is provided, including a panel to be damped, a constraining layer and a layer of foam vibration damping material sandwiched therebetween. The foam vibration damping material is provided from a composition including 1-20 weight percent elastomeric polymer, 20-60 weight percent thermoplastic polymer, 0.5-18 weight percent tackifier, 4-23 weight percent asphalt filler, 20-50 weight percent inorganic filler and 0.2-7 weight percent blowing agent.

Abstract: A method of producing a substantially open-cell, expanded polystyrene sheet, comprising the steps of: forming a mixture comprising from 30 to 95% of polystyrene incorporating an aliphatic hydrocarbon with 4-6 carbon atoms, from 0 to 65% of polystyrene, and from 0.2 to 10% of a nucleating agent, mixing the mixture obtained and melting it by heating inside an extruder, bringing the mixture to a temperature of 130-150° C. in the final portion of the extruder, extruding the mixture in a lower-pressure atmosphere to produce an expanded sheet, which has a low density and a high capacity to absorb aqueous liquids, particularly if a surfactant is added to the starting mixture, and which, when coupled with two films of plastics material gives rise to a laminate suitable for the production, by thermoforming, of trays of foods which may release aqueous liquids.