Abstract: Disclosed is an expanded foamed bead of a rubber-modified styrene polymer, comprising a plurality of closed cells defined by cell walls which constitute a matrix for the bead, wherein each of the cell walls comprises two surfaces separated by a distance equal to the thickness of the cell wall.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for extruding a soft, low density elastomeric thermoplastic foam. A single screw extruder having a very large screw length to diameter ratio is provided to thoroughly mix the thermoplastic elastomer with a blowing agent. A thin, substantially taperless die is also provided to form extruded profiles. By using such a process and apparatus, a variety of complex-shaped extruded profiles may be easily produced.

Abstract: A process for producing expandable particles of a melt compounded blend of polyphenylene ether resin and polyolefin resin. A melt compounded blend of polyphenylene ether resin and polyolefin resin, a blowing agent and water are mixed in a pressure vessel to form a dispersion; the dispersion is heated in the sealed pressure vessel to impregnate the blowing agent in the melt compounded blend of resin particles; the dispersion is then cooled in the sealed pressure vessel; and a cooled blowing agent-impregnated, melt compounded blend of resin particles is removed from the reactor. A preferred blowing agent is Freon.RTM. 11. The particles are pre-expanded by heating, and the pre-expanded particles can be foamed in a conventional mold when heat is applied thereto. A resin molding composition comprising a melt compounded blend of heat-pre-expanded, low density, resilient polyphenylene ether resin and polyolefin resin particles having about 95.0 weight percent to about 5.

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

Abstract: A method of producing an open cell rigid polyurethane foam which comprises reacting a polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate prepolymer with a polyol at an NCO/OH equivalent ratio of 1.3 to 3.0 by use of a blowing agent substantially comprising water in the presence of a catalyst, a foam stabilizer and a cell opening agent.

Abstract: According to the present specification there is disclosed a porous film having a number of throughholes extending from one side to the other side, obtained by molding into a sheet form a resin composition comprising an ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer, a thermoplastic elastomer and an inorganic filler and then subjecting the sheet to stretching for orientation. Said porous film has excellent flexibility, stretchability and moisture permeability. These properties are made possible by using individual components in particular proportions, molding the resulting composition into a sheet form and then stretching the sheet to form fine throughholes therein so as to have a moisture permeability of 2,000 g/m.sup.2.24 hr or more.

Abstract: A column packing material to be used in gel permeation chromatography (GPC) consists of support particles with a mean particle diameter of 1 to 50.mu. of which the matrix is formed by an inorganic or organic, polymeric and porous hard material with a mean pore diameter of 6 to 50 nm and a pore volume of 0.1 to 3 ml/g, the matrix pores containing chemically bound polymer chains. The column packing material of the invention is characterized in that the polymer chains consist of linear, permeable and not-crosslinked polymers with an upper exclusion limit between 200 and 200,000, the pores of the matrix being entirely filled by the polymer chains. The method of the invention is characterized in that the pores of the support particles are filled by polymer chains chemically bound to the pore surfaces, these polymer chains being permeable to solvents and partly to dissolved substances.

Abstract: An expandable monovinylidene aromatic polymer resin composition comprising: a) a monovinylidene aromatic substrate polymer; b) a plasticizing amount of a solid (at room temperature and pressure), low molecular weight polymer of limonene or alpha methyl styrene and, optionally, another copolymerizable vinyl aromatic monomer, having a weight average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 70,000, a volatiles content of up to about 30% and a glass transition temperature of at least about 25.degree. C.; and c) a blowing agent. The invention further includes a process for producing a closed-cell polymer foam from the composition of the invention, and the resulting polymer foam. Advantageously, the foam of the invention can be produced using only CO.sub.2 as a blowing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cross-linked ethylenic polymer foam structure of an ethylenic polymer material of a cross-linked, substantially linear ethylenic polymer. The substantially linear ethylenic polymer having in an uncross-linked state has: a) a melt flow ratio, I.sub.10 /I.sub.2, .gtoreq.5.63; b) a molecular weight distribution, M.sub.w /M.sub.n, defined by the equation: M.sub.w /M.sub.n .ltoreq.(I.sub.10 /I.sub.2)-4.63; and c) a critical shear rate at onset of surface melt fracture of at least 50 percent greater than the critical shear rate at the onset of surface melt fracture of a linear ethylenic polymer having about the same I.sub.2 and M.sub.w /M.sub.n. Further disclosed is a process for making the above foam structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are a foamable resin composition which comprises a copolymer with a weight-average molecular weight of 150,000-350,000 produced by copolymerization of a monomer mixture of 55-85% by weight of styrene and 45-15% by weight of a methacrylic acid ester represented by general formula (I)CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CH.sub.3)COOR (I)(wherein R represents a C.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to produce polystyrene foam comprising mixing a predetermined amount of masterbatch mix and a styrenic polymer, heating this mixture, injecting CO.sub.2 and/or nitrogen, in gas or liquid form, as a blowing agent and subsequently extruding, cooling and drying the resulting polystyrene foam.

Abstract: Dense star polymers or dendrimers, modified by capping with a hydrophobic group capable of providing a hydrophobic outer shell, act as molecular nucleating agents in forming a polymer blend.

Abstract: A small cell foam having a modified dense star polymer or dendrimer is described. This modified dense star polymer or dendrimer has a highly branched interior of one monomeric composition and an exterior structure of a different monomeric composition capable of providing a hydrophobic outer shell and a particle diameter of from about 5 to about 1,000 nm with a matrix polymer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for extruding a soft, low density elastomeric thermoplastic foam. A single screw extruder having a very large screw length to diameter ratio is provided to thoroughly mix the thermoplastic elastomer with a blowing agent. A thin, substantially taperless die is also provided to form extruded profiles. By using such a process and apparatus, a variety of complex-shaped extruded profiles may be easily produced.

Abstract: Foamable thermoplastic resin compositions are provided having vinyl chloride polymer, a graft copolymer having a superstrate grafted to a substrate wherein the superstrate has alphamethyl styrene, unsaturated nitrile, and unsubstituted styrene therein, and the substrate is a butadiene rubber, a rubber-free copolymer having alkylmethacrylate, vinyl aromatic, and unsaturated nitrile therein, and a chemical blowing agent. The foamable thermoplastic resin composition may be coextruded with a non-foamed thermoplastic resin skin to produce a coextruded rigid foamed structure by a process of coextruding the skin and foamable thermoplastic composition. The composition and process are useful for making coextruded rigid foam structures which are useful in rigid foam applications such as foamed pipe and foamed sheet.

Abstract: Dense star polymers or dendrimers, modified by capping with a hydrophobic group capable of providing a hydrophobic outer shell, act as molecular nucleating agents. These modified dense star polymers or dendrimers are particularly effective for the production of small cell foams.

Abstract: A dry, initially non-tacky, expansible, shaped and formed sealant and baffle component is provided for sealing and providing an acoustic baffle for cavities in the hollow structural components of a vehicle body or the like, which during the manufacturing operation is conveyed through a bake oven at an elevated temperature. The component is made up of a metal ion neutralized ethylene-.alpha., .beta. ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer (ionomer), a blowing agent, and a tackifier, and optionally with an additive polymer and a cross-linking agent. The blowing agent is selected to be activated at the temperature of the bake oven so that the shaped and formed component expands in the body cavity to seal the cavity and prevent ingress of moisture, dust and other contaminating materials and particles, as well as to form a sound barrier therein.

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

Abstract: A polystyrene foam sheet comprising a polystyrene resin which contains 1 to 15 wt. % of a rubber component having a majority of particle sizes less than about 0.45 microns has been found to be superior for forming deep drawn articles. Optionally one or two films may be extrusion coated or laminated to the foam sheet prior to thermoforming. Also disclosed is a method for thermoforming the foam sheet. Preheat the sheet, clamp the sheet between the matched male and female mold members, move the members into final position while applying a vacuum through both members to both sides of the foamed sheet and then chill formed foam to set a final shape.

Abstract: A polystyrene foam sheet comprising a polystyrene resin which contains 1 to 15 wt % of a rubber component having a majority of particle sizes less than about 0.45 microns has been found to be superior for forming deep drawn articles. Optionally one or two films may be extrusion coated or laminated to the foam sheet prior to thermoforming. Also disclosed is a method for thermoforming the foam sheet. Preheat the sheet, clamp the sheet between the matched male and female mold members, move the members into final position while applying a vacuum through both members to both sides of the foamed sheet and then chill formed foam to set a final shape.

Abstract: A foamed elastomeric polymer with a camouflage appearance on its surface and throughout its mass, characterized by distinct, randomly sized regions of various colors, having curved, nonangular borders with substantially no blend of colors, and being free from gas pockets and blisters. A process for manufacturing a foamed elastomeric polymer of the above description.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to produce polystyrene foam comprising mixing a predetermined amount of masterbatch mix and a styrenic polymer, heating this mixture, injecting CO.sub.2 and/or nitrogen, in gas or liquid form, as a blowing agent and subsequently extruding, cooling and drying the resulting polystyrene foam.

Abstract: An elastomeric, hot-melt adhesive foam is disclosed. The adhesive foam preferably comprises an elastomeric, hot-melt adhesive material formed from:(a) about 15% to about 60%, by weight of the adhesive material, of an A-B-A block copolymer, in which the A block is derived from styrene and the B block is derived from butadiene or isoprene;(b) about 30% to about 70%, by weight of the adhesive material, of an aromatic modified hydrocarbon resin which associates with both the B block and A blocks of the A-B-A block copolymer; and(c) 0 to about 30%, by weight of the adhesive material, of a processing oil.The proportions of the components (a), (b), and (c) are selected such that the elastomeric, hot-melt adhesive material has a viscosity of less than about 200,000 centipoise at 325.degree. F. and an elastomeric retention value of at least 75%.

Abstract: An expanded polymer product with high distortion temperature, high flame resistance and low smoke toxicity and opacity comprises, in combination:between 18% and 25% of a mixture of at least two isocyanates;between 8% and 11% of a styrene and maleic anhydride mixture;between 19% and 42% of a PVC resin in emulsion form;between 4% and 7% of at least one expanding agent;between 0.5% and 1% of at least one temperature stabilizer;between 16% and 40% of TiO.sub.2.Said product is used particularly in sea, ground and air transport, and in numerous constructional applications in which the materials must combine high technical characteristics with adequate lightness.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to produce polystyrene foam comprising mixing a predetermined amount of masterbatch mix and a styrenic polymer, heating this mixture, injecting CO.sub.2 and/or nitrogen, in gas or liquid form, as a blowing agent and subsequently extruding, cooling and drying the resulting polystyrene foam.

Abstract: An ultra low density polyolefin foam having a density of about 0.6 to about 1.5 pounds per cubic foot comprising a heat-plastified mixture comprising (1) a non-elastomeric olefin polymer resin selected from the group consisting of ethylene homopolymers, non-elastomeric copolymers of ethylene and a copolymerizable monomer, and propylene homopolymers; (2) an elastomer in an amount of about 3 to about 30 wt. parts per 100 wt. parts of said non-elastomeric olefin polymer resin; (3) polystyrene in an amount of about 1 to about 15 wt. parts per 100 wt. parts of said olefin polymer resin; (4) a stability control agent selected from the group consisting of partial esters of long chain fatty acids with polyols, higher alkyl amines, fatty acid amides, and olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymers, and (5) a hydrocarbon blowing agent having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and a boiling point between -175.degree. C. and 50.degree. C.

Abstract: Foamable thermoplastic resin compositions are provided having vinyl chloride polymer, a graft copolymer having a superstrate grafted to a substrate wherein the superstrate has alphamethyl styrene, unsaturated nitrile, and unsubstituted styrene therein, and the substrate is a butadiene rubber, a rubber-free copolymer having alkylmethacrylate, vinyl aromatic, and unsaturated nitrile therein, and a chemical blowing agent. The foamable thermoplastic resin composition may be coextruded with a nonfoamed thermoplastic resin skin to produce a coextruded rigid foamed structure by a process of coextruding the skin and foamable thermoplastic composition. The composition and process are useful for making coextruded rigid foam structures which are useful in rigid foam applications such as foamed pipe and foamed sheet.

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

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing alkenyl aromatic foams utilizing a combination of atmospheric and organic gases as blowing agent, preferably using greater than 30% by weight of atmospheric gas, and preferably also using a predetermined about of a masterbatch mix comprising a styrenic polymer, a rubbery block copolymer, and a solid blowing agent. Also disclosed are alkenyl aromatic foams produced by the process which exhibit increased densities, increased thermoforming capabilities, increased post-expansion properties, and increased retainment of the atmospheric and organic gases.

Abstract: A dry, initially non-tacky, expansible, shaped and formed sealant and baffle component is provided for sealing and providing an acoustic baffle for cavities in the hollow structural components of a vehicle body or the like, which during the manufacturing operation is conveyed through a bake oven at an elevated temperature. The component is made up of a metal ion neutralized ethylene-.alpha.,.beta. ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer (ionomer), a blowing agent, and a tackifier, and optionally with an additive polymer and a cross-linking agent. The blowing agent is selected to be activated at the temperature of the bake oven so that the shaped and formed component expands in the body cavity to seal the cavity and prevent ingress of moisture, dust and other contaminating materials and particles, as well as to form a sound barrier therein.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymers containinga) from 80 to 99% by weight of polystyrene,b) from 1 to 20% by weight of a styrene-soluble polymer having a softening point above 140.degree. C.,c) from 3 to 10% by weight, based on the sum of a) and b), of a C.sub.3 - to C.sub.6 -hydrocarbon as blowing agent, and, if desired, d) conventional additives,the mixture of components a) and b) having a melt flow index MFI 200/5 of from 15 to 30, have high heat distortion resistance and a high capacity for expansion.

Abstract: A method of foaming thermoplastic aromatic polycarbonates is disclosed. Accordingly, a polycarbonate resin is mixed with 0.01 to 10%, the percent being relative to the total weight of polycarbonate resin and polysaccharide, of a particular polysaccharide and the mixture then processed thermoplastically without the application of negative pressure in an extruder, at temperatures of 180.degree. C. to 320.degree. C., or in an injection molding machine, at temperatures of 190.degree. C. to 330.degree. C., to obtain foamed molded articles.

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

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

Abstract: A new gel-like composition of matter containing a complex carbohydrate with a high degree of carboxyl substitution cross-linked by an organic cross-linker has been developed. The cross-linkers have complex ring structures, e.g., polynuclear or heterocyclic compounds, which permit development of two distinct partial positive charges under conditions where a carbohydrate is negatively charged. Antibiotics are the preferred cross-linking agents and a method of sustained release of the antibodies is also disclosed.

Abstract: A foamable composition for producing an ultra low density polyolefin foam having a density of about 0.6 to about 1.5 pounds per cubic foot comprising a heat-plastified mixture comprising (1) an olefin polymer resin selected from the group consisting of ethylene homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene and a copolymerizable monomer; (2) an elastomer in an amount of about 3 to about 30 wt. parts per 100 wt. parts of said olefin polymer resin; (3) polystyrene in an amount of about 1 to about 15 wt. parts per 100 wt. parts of said olefin polymer resin; (4) a stability control agent selected from the group consisting of partial esters of long chain fatty acids with polyols, higher alkyl amines, fatty acid amides, and olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymers, and (5) a hydrocarbon blowing agent having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and a boiling point between -175.degree. C. and 50.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to produce polystyrene foam comprising mixing a predetermined amount of masterbatch mix and a styrenic polymer, heating this mixture, injecting CO.sub.2 and/or nitrogen, in gas or liquid form, as a blowing agent and subsequently extruding, cooling and drying the resulting polystyrene foam.

Abstract: Foamable photodegradable suspension polymers of vinyl aromatic monomers may be prepared by dissolving a copolymer of a vinyl aromatic monomer and a vinyl ketone in the vinyl aromatic monomer and suspension polymerizing the resulting mixture. The resulting polymer may be foamed and used in the manufacture of food containers.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymers which contain from 10 to 90% by weight of a crosslinked styrene-diene copolymer containing from 2 to 45% by weight of the diene, and from 1 to 10% by weight of a C.sub.3 -to C.sub.6 -hydrocarbon as blowing agent can be processed to give foams which have high resistance to aromatics.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprises a melt compounded product of a polyphenylene oxide polymer and a recycled polystyrene material. The recycled polystyrene material exhibits a melt flow index greater than about 25 when devolatized by heating above its glass transition temperature. The polymer composition may be in various forms including extruded pellets, extruded foam, and expandable foam beads.

Abstract: Elastomeric low density foamable compositions are described which are prepared from blends comprised of a major amount of a block copolymer comprised of an alkenyl aromatic and a conjugated diene and a minor amount of one or more other thermoplastic resins. Also described are such foamable compositions wherein such blends are comprised of a major amount of a triblock copolymer of the A-B-A type and a minor amount of polystyrene resin and/or polyphenylene ether resin. Also described are processes for preparing such low density foamable compositions and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: Foamable photodegradable suspension polymers of vinyl aromatic monomers may be prepared by dissolving a copolymer of a vinyl aromatic monomer and a vinyl ketone in the vinyl aromatic monomer and suspension polymerizing the resulting mixture. The resulting polymer may be foamed and used in the manufacture of food containers.

Abstract: A foamable composition comprising an alkenyl aromatic polymer, blowing agent and a transient foam control agent that is effective to reduce polymer melt viscosity in the melt phase but nonmiscible and nondetrimental to the solid polymer.

Abstract: The odor of blends of polyphenylene ether resin, alone, or in combination with a polystyrene resin or a high impact polystyrene is improved by including a carboxylic acid, and acid anhydride or mixture thereof in the compositions.

Abstract: There are disclosed opaque, biaxially oriented polymeric film structures each comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix material, e.g., polypropylene, within which is located a stratum of voids, and positioned within each of at least a substantial number of the voids is at least one spherical void-initiating solid particle (i.e., a cavitating agent) of cross-linked polystyrene (CLPS) which is phase-distinct and incompatable with the matrix material, the volume of the particle being substantially less than the volume of the void, with one generally cross-sectional dimension of the particle at least approximating a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of the void.Also disclosed is a method of preparing the foregoing film structure by extruding into a film a combination of the matrix material and CLPS particles dispersed therein, and biaxially orienting the film either simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: A foamable composition comprising an alkenyl aromatic polymer, blowing agent and a transient foam control agent that is effective to reduce polymer melt viscosity in the melt phase but nonmiscible and nondetrimental to the solid polymer.

Abstract: A composition and foam insulation for copper tubing is described herein which is formulated to retard copper oxidation and eliminate or reduce stress corrosion in the copper tubing. The copper compatible, elastomeric foam insulation is made from a composition comprising 100 parts by weight of rubber, vinyl chloride polymer at about 15 to about 85 pphr, a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of an alkyl phosphate ester and an oxyalkyl phosphate ester at about 10 to about 100 pphr, a fire retardant in an amount of at least about 100 pphr, a stabilizer in an amount effective to prevent degradation of the rubber and vinyl chloride polymer, a preservative at from about 0.1 to about 10 pphr, and a lubricant at about 10 to about 85 pphr, wherein the composition and foamed product contains no more than about 5 parts of free phenol per million.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of hydrophilic membranes by coagulation of a solution of at least one hydrophobic polymer and at least one hydrophilic polymer in a suitable solvent medium in a coagulation medium. The process according to the invention is characterized in that hydrophilic microfiltration and/or ultrafiltration membranes are prepared by cross-linking the hydrophilic polymer which is present in or on the obtained membrane matrix after the coagulation in an essentially non-swollen state and fixing same as such in or on the polymer matrix. Advantageously the solvents and the undesirable components of the coagulation medium are removed whereby the hydrophilic polymer is converted into an essentially non-swollen state prior to cross-linking. The removal of the undesirable components from the membrane takes place by means of a non-solvent for the hydrophilic polymer according to the invention.