Abstract: A plastic foam material composed of a blended resin composition which includes at least two thermoplastic resins and a silane-modified based resin. The blended resin composition consists essentially of 100 parts by weight of at least two thermoplastic resins, from about 1 to about 50 parts by weight of a silane-modified, cross-linked, thermoplastic resin; from about 0.001 to about 2.5 parts by weight of a cross-linking catalyst for use in a silane compound and from about 1 to about 20 parts by weight of a foaming agent. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoplastic resins include at least two substantially incompatible and substantially uncross-linked thermoplastic resins, while in another embodiment the two thermoplastic resins need not be substantially incompatible. The blended resin composition may further include reinforcers such as glass fibers and filler. The thermodecomposition foaming agent decomposes at sufficiently high temperatures to yield a plastic foam material.

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: An uncrosslinked, closed cell, low density ethylenic polymer foam having a density of less than 150 kg/m.sup.3 is prepared from, for example, uncrosslinked low density polyethylene using inorganic blowing agents, such as carbon dioxide, argon, or mixtures thereof. A process for preparing such uncrosslinked, closed cell, low density ethylenic polymer foam comprising extruding a ethylenic polymer of suitable melt tension using a 100 percent inorganic blowing agent, such as carbon dioxide, argon, or mixtures thereof, and the foams produced with this process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plastic foam material composed of a polyolefin based resin composition, consists essentially of specified amounts of polypropylene based resins and polyethylene based resins, included from about 20 to about 65 weight percent of a cross linked portion. The cross linked portion consists of from about 55 to about 95 weight percent of a cross linked polypropylene and from about 5 to about 45 weight percent of cross linked polyethylene. The amount of cross-linkage can be determined by a xylene extraction technique. The plastic foam material may further include specified amounts of a cross-linking agent and specified amounts of an organic thermodecomposition foaming agent. The thermodecomposition foaming agent decomposes at sufficiently high temperatures to yield a plastic foam material, which exhibits superior adherence properties and fewer deformities of its surface exemplified by swelling, shrinkage and wrinkling of its surface. A method to produce the plastic foam material is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved closed cell polymer foam and foaming agent involving the use of a halocarbon blowing agent (e.g., HCFC-22, HCFC-123, HCFC-123a, and HCFC-141b) in combination with an effective amount of a gas barrier resin (e.g., an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene/acrylic ester copolymer or acrylic ester polymer) uniformly dispersed in the continuous polymeric phase. The presence of the gas barrier resin is shown to significantly reduce the escape of blowing agent from and/or entry of air into the foam resulting in low thermal conductivity over a longer period of time and improved thermal insulation value.

Abstract: Unimolecular micelles, generally referred to as cascade polymers, are constructed via the addition of successive layers, or tiers, of designed monomers, or building blocks, that possess a predetermined, branched superstructure consisting of connected physical matter inherently defining an internal void volume or void area within the molecular framework. Reactive sites located on the framework and hence within the void regions are capable of being chemically transformed to allow covalent and noncovalent incorporation of one or more guest species into the said void regions. Further, a method is described for making such cascade polymers that includes the steps of forming a unimolecular micelle containing internal void areas with accessible reactive sites capable of bonding to at least one guest after construction of the said unimolecular micelle. The guests are contained within the internal void volume of the cascade polymer and are available and accessible for additional chemical modification.

Abstract: Novel porous copolymers are disclosed which can be used to prepare ion-exchange resins and polymeric adsorbents. The copolymers comprise a copolymer of at least one monovinylidene monomer and a crosslinking monomer and have a unique cellular pore structure. The cellular structure comprises a macroporous void phase which is dispersed within a continuous copolymer phase. The porous void phase comprises a plurality of cellular void spaces which are at least partially enclosed by walls of the continuous copolymer phase. Also disclosed are processes which can be used to prepare the porous copolymers, as well as ion-exchange resins and polymeric adsorbents using the porous copolymers.

Abstract: The polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) porous film of the invention is characterized in that the film is formed from a PTFE resin molding powder obtained by suspension polymerization and has a porosity of 40 to 80%, and removal ratio of uniform particle having a 0.2 .mu.m diameter of less than 99% or bubble point of not less than 3 kg/cm.sup.2. This PTFE porous film is obtained by a process of compression-molding a PTFE resin molding powder to prepare a preform, sintering the preform at a temperature not lower than its melting point, processing the preform into films, then laminating at least two of the obtained films, fusing the films to unite them, and subjecting the obtained film to uniaxial or biaxial stretching at a temperature not higher than the melting point of PTFE. If desired, the finally obtained film may be subjected to heat setting. In the PTFE porous film of the invention, pores are nearly round and the diameters of the pores are almost uniform.

Abstract: An ultra-low density, microcellular open-celled polymer foam and a method for making such foam. A polymer is dissolved in a heated solution consisting essentially of at least one solvent for the dissolution of the polymer in the heated solution and the phase inversion of the dissolved polymer to a liquid gel upon sufficient cooling of the heated solution. The heated solution is contained in a containment means provided with a nucleating promoting means having a relatively rough surface formed of fixed nucleating sites. The heated solution is cooled for a period of time sufficient to form a liquid gel of the polymer by phase inversion. From the gel, a porous foam having a density of less than about 12.0 mg/cm.sup.3 and open porosity provided by well interconnected strut morphology is formed.

Abstract: An acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is provided which has excellent weatherability, outstanding transparency and optical clarity, improved heath and solvent resistance, as well as improved impact strength. The acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is formulated by the catalytic activation at ambient temperature of a polymerization syrup which contains from about 300 to about 2970 parts by volume of an acrylic monomer, from about 30 to about 2700 parts by volume of a lactam monomer, from about 0.3 parts to about 40 parts by volume of a mercaptan chain transfer agent and from about 0.3 to about 40 parts by volume of a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the acrylic monomer and the lactam monomer. To prevent further polymerization of the polymeric constituents of the polymerization syrup, as well as to enhance the shelf life of the polymerization syrup, an effective amount of a polymerization inhibitor and an ultraviolet light stabilizer are incorporated into the polymerization syrup.

Abstract: A formed thermoplastic resin article is made of a thermoplastic resin and a foamed elastic polymer finely dispersed in the thermoplastic resin. The formed thermoplastic resin article can be produced by blending an elastic polymer, in which an endothermic foaming agent decomposable at a temperature of at least 160.degree. C. was mixed in advance at a temperature lower than a decomposition temperature of the endothermic foaming agent, in a thermoplastic resin and then plasticizing and forming the resultant resin blend at a temperature at least equal to the decomposition temperature of the endothermic foaming agent.

Abstract: An expandable thermoplastic composition is disclosed for extrusion foaming wherein the composition comprises a polyethylene resin; a blowing agent, which is either ethane or a blend of carbon dioxide and either normal butane, isobutane, propane, ethane, or a mixture of any two or more of these hydrocarbons in admixture with the resin in a ratio of about one part blowing agent to about 10 parts resin; nucleation agent in an amount of from about 0.05 to 0.5 kg per 100 kg of the resin; and glycerol monostearate aging modifier in an amount of from about 0.5 to 5 kg per 100 kg of the resin. A process for extrusion foaming of the composition is also disclosed.

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 blend of high-molecular and a low-molecular organic material contains the high-molecular organic material in a proportion smaller than that of the low-molecular organic material, and has a three-dimensionally continuous network skeleton structure formed by the high-molecular organic material. The structure preferably has an average cell or mesh diameter not exceeding 500 microns. The removal of the low-molecular organic material from the blend gives a functional porous material consisting of the high-molecular organic material. The replacement of the low-molecular organic material in the blend with a solid or liquid, or a mixture thereof, gives a functional composite material containing the solid or liquid, or their mixture in the network skeleton structure.

Abstract: Foams are prepared under reduced pressure and are subsequently encased in a material which will prevent ambient air from entering the cell voids. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam is formed by mixing the polyol and isocyanate components under reduced pressure, allowing the gas within the foam to reach equilibrium at a lesser pressure then in prior systems. The need for blowing agents is substantially reduced and the K-factor of such foams is highly desirable. The foams are particularly well suited for use in refrigeration applications where the foams can be encased to prevent air from entering the cells after curing of the foam.

Abstract: This invention offers the porous fiber in which the porous form of the fiber is with an excellent durability to heat and accordingly can afford the fiber products with a shape-retaining ability.Porous acrylonitrile fiber comprising the polymers containing not less than 95% by weight of acrylonitrile in a bonded form whereby the pores in the fiber constituting the porous structure are connected each other and are communicated with the fiber surface and, in addition, having a specific decreasing rate in the average pore diameter due to an introduction of a crosslinking structure thereinto.It is possible to offer a porous acrylonitrile fiber which has a porous structure wherein the micropores in the fiber are connected each other and are communicated with the fiber surface and also exhibits an excellent retaining ability of the shape of the fiber.

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

Abstract: Unimolecular micelles, generally referred to as cascade polymers, are constructed via the addition of successive layers, or tiers, of designed monomers, or building blocks, that possess a predetermined, branched superstructure consisting of connected physical matter inherently defining an internal void volume or void area within the molecular framework. Each of the branches define a flexible arm from a central core atom and terminate with a hydrodynamic reactive group. A method is described for manipulating such cascade polymers.

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 is an ethylene polymer foam structure having enhanced processing and physical properties. The foam structure comprises an ethylenic polymer material and a blowing agent of isobutane and 1,1-difluoroethane. Further disclosed is a process for making the 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: A porous structure of a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymeric material which porous structure possesses improved free swell capacity and is able to demonstrate said improved free swell capacity when in contact with an absorbent material such as a cellulosic fibrous web. Also disclosed is a method of making such a porous polymeric structure. The method comprising the steps of forming an oil-in-water suspension, wherein the water phase contains a water-soluble monomer and a crosslinking agent and the oil phase is a volatile organic compound having a boiling point greater than the boiling point of water. The monomer present in the water phase is polymerized to form a polymeric material having dispersed therein the oil phase. The resultant polymeric material is then dried at a temperature above the boiling point of water, such that the volatile organic compound volatilizes thereby forming pores in the polymeric material, which pores have a diameter of at least about 20 microns.

Abstract: An acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is provided which has excellent weatherability, outstanding transparency and optical clarity, improved heath and solvent resistance, as well as improved impact strength. The acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is formulated by the catalytic activation at ambient temperature of a polymerization syrup which contains from about 300 to about 2970 parts by volume of an acrylic monomer, from about 30 to about 2700 parts by volume of a lactam monomer, from about 0.3 parts to about 40 parts by volume of a mercaptan chain transfer agent and from about 0.3 to about 40 parts by volume of a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the acrylic monomer and the lactam monomer. To prevent further polymerization of the polymeric constituents of the polymerization syrup, as well as to enhance the shelf life of the polymerization syrup, an effective amount of a polymerization inhibitor and an ultraviolet light stabilizer are incorporated into the polymerization syrup.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foamable styrenic polymer gel containing an aqueous blowing agent capable of forming a closed-cell, unimodal foam structure. The gel composes in admixture the flowable melt of a polymer composition having greater than 50 percent by weight of a styrenic polymer and a blowing agent having about 1 percent or more by weight water based upon the total weight of the blowing agent. The styrenic polymer has a degree of water solubility sufficient to ensure formation of a unimodal foam structure instead of a bimodal foam structure. The unimodal cell size distribution provides desirable fabricability and machinability characteristics for the foam structure.

Abstract: Unimolecular micelles, generally referred to as cascade polymers, are constructed via the addition of successive layers, or tiers, of designed monomers, or building blocks, that possess a predetermined, branched superstructure consisting of connected physical matter inherently defining an internal void volume or void area within the molecular framework. Reactive sites located on the framework and hence within the void regions are capable of being chemically transformed to allow covalent and noncovalent incorporation of one or more guest species into the said void regions. Further, a method is described for making such cascade polymers that includes the steps of forming a unimolecular micelle containing internal void areas with accessible reactive sites capable of bonding to at least one guest after construction of the said unimolecular micelle. The guests are contained within the internal void volume of the cascade polymer and are available and accessible for additional chemical modification.

Abstract: Flexible, porous, absorbent polymeric macrostructures having flexibility even after extended periods at elevated temperatures and/or low humidities are disclosed. The macrostructure comprises an interparticle crosslinked aggregate and an effective amount of a suitable plasticizer. The macrostructures are suitable for use, for example, in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers.

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: Disclosed is an ethylenic polymer foam structure comprising an ethylenic polymer material. The ethylenic polymer material contains a substantially linear ethylenic polymer having: 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 .gtoreq.(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 olefin polymer having about the same I.sub.2 and M.sub.w /M.sub.n. The foam structures have toughness and elasticity similar to those formed from conventional LLDPE without the poor dimensional stability and foam quality associated with those structures. The foam structures have foam quality similar to those made with conventional LDPE but with enhanced toughness and elasticity. Further disclosed is a process for making the above foam structure and making it in a foam bead form.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making a low density, dimensionally-stable, open-cell, extruded propylene polymer foam comprising primarily an expanded propylene polymer material wherein the foam has a blowing agent comprising greater than 85 percent by weight of one or more organic blowing agents based upon the total weight of the blowing agent. The propylene polymer material comprises more than 50 weight percent or more of propylene monomeric units based upon the total weight of the propylene polymer material. The foam has a density about 96 kilograms or less per cubic meter. The foam is greater than 20 percent open cell.

Abstract: A method for preparing an .alpha.-olefin polymer in which an .alpha.-olefin is polymerized in the presence of a catalyst, characterized in that the catalyst is a solid obtained by making the following components (ii) and (iii) be supported in the component (i):Component (i): an organic porous polymer having an average particle diameter of 5 to 1,000 .mu.m, in which the total pore volume of all pores whose diameter is 0.006 to 10 .mu.m is 0.3 cc/g or more, and the total pore volume of all pores whose diameter is 0.05 to 2 .mu.m is 50% or more of the total pore volume of all pores whose diameter is 0.006 to 10 .mu.m;Component (ii) a compound having the structure ##STR1## in which R is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and Component (iii) a compound of a transition metal which belongs to one of the Groups IVB to VIB in the Periodic Table, having at least one conjugated 5-membered cyclic ligand.

Abstract: Foamed propylene polymer articles are prepared by subjecting pre-foamed beads, that consist essentially of propylene polymers having a melt strength from 5 to 40 cN, to thermoforming by sintering.

Abstract: This invention relates to highly porous, crosslinked bodies derived from nitrogen-containing polymers, and a process of producing the porous bodies which comprises dissolving a nitrogen-containing polymer to form a gel, ionically crosslinking the gel, and covalently further crosslinking the ionically crosslinked gel body.

Abstract: Isotropic porous polymer beads having a high surface porosity and large pore diameters from about 0.002 to about 5 microns are produced from solutions of a polymer or a copolymer by a thermally-induced phase separation process. The use of mixed solvent-non-solvent combinations as solvents for the polymers, produces high pore content, substantially spherical beads having a morphology ideally suited to the chromatography of large molecules, such as proteins, and for enzyme-binding.

Abstract: An artificial soil made from thermoplastic resin foamed particles is disclosed, in which a plurality of thermoplastic resin foamed particles and a plurality of fine substances are bonded to each other by heat fusion of the thermoplastic resin foamed particles to form a porous structure. The artificial soil is excellent in not only air permeability, hydrophobic properties, and draining properties but also water retention and fertilizer retention.

Abstract: The invention provides an expandable polyolefin resin composition comprising (a) 40 to 100 wt. % of a polypropylene resin having a melt index of 0.5 to 12, (b) 0 to 60 wt. % of a polyethylene resin having a melt index of 2 to 50 (c) 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of the di(meth)acrylate of an aliphatic dihydric alcohol having a methylene group with 2 to 18 carbon atoms between the (meth)acryloyloxy groups at both ends per 100 parts by weight of the combination of the resins (a) and (b), and (d) 1 to 50 parts by weight of a thermally decomposable blowing agent. Preferably the composition further comprises (e) 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of a monofunctional monomer. When uniformly crosslinked, the composition affords an expandable polyolefin resin composition suited to production of a crosslinked polyolefin resin foam excellent in heat resistance, toughness and moldability of formability and appearing homogeneous.

Abstract: A microcellular carbon foam characterized by a density in the range of about 30 to 1000 mg/cm.sup.3, substantially uniform distribution of cell sizes of diameters less than 100 .mu.m with a majority of the cells being of a diameter of less than about 10 .mu.m, well interconnected strut morphology providing open porosity, and an expanded d(002) X-ray turbostatic spacing greater than 3.50 angstroms. The precursor for the carbon foam is prepared by the phase inversion of polyacrylonitrile in a solution consisting essentially of at least one alkali metal halide and a phase inversion solvent for the polyacrylonitrile.

Abstract: A microcellular carbon foam characterized by a density in the range of about 30 to 1000 mg/cm.sup.3, substantially uniform distribution of cell sizes of diameters less than 100 .mu.m with a majority of the cells being of a diameter of less than about 10 .mu.m, well interconnected strut morphology providing open porosity, and an expanded d(002) X-ray turbostatic spacing greater than 3.50 angstroms. The precursor for the carbon foam is prepared by the phase inversion of polyacrylonitrile in a solution consisting essentially of at least one alkali metal halide and a phase inversion solvent for the polyacrylonitrile.

Abstract: Improved microcellular and ultramicrocellular materials containing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) inflatants are disclosed. The inflatants are environmentally more favorable than fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Abstract: An aqueous contact adhesive composition comprising an aqueous adhesive copolymer emulsion, the adhesive composition having a durometer hardness measured on the type A scale by ASTM D2240 of at least 20, and a blowing agent. The aqueous contact adhesive composition is applied as a coating to a surface of each of two substrates, then foamed, and substantially dried to provide a dry cellular adhesive coating. The adhesive-coated surfaces are then joined. The preferred contact adhesive composition comprises a vinyl acetate/ethylene/N-methylolacrylamide copolymer emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a cellular or microcellular polyurethane foam wherein the reactants provide a built-in blowing capability. The process is effected by reacting a polyisocyanate with a carboxy-modified polyol to form a polyurethane and carbon dioxide, said carbon dioxide acting as an in situ blowing agent to foam said polyurethane into a cellular or microcellular polyurethane foam. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a process for forming an integral skin cellular or microcellular polyurethane foam by reacting, in a closed mold, a polyisocyanate with a carboxy-modified polyol to form a polyurethane and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a cellular or microcellular polyurethane foam wherein the reactants provide a built-in blowing capability. The process is effected by reacting a polyisocyanate with a carboxy-modified polyol to form a polyurethane and carbon dioxide, said carbon dioxide acting as an in situ blowing agent to foam said polyurethane into a cellular or microcellular polyurethane foam, said foam being formed in the absence of any chlorinated fluorocarbon blowing agents. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a process for forming an integral skin cellular or microcellular polyurethane foam by reacting, in a closed mold, a polyisocyanate with a carboxy-modified polyol to form a polyurethane and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A foamed plastic is provided which is excellent in heat resistance and mechanical strength. The foamed plastic is produced by foaming a resin which comprises an N-alkyl-substituted maleimide unit in an amount of 30 to 98 mol % and an olefin unit in an amount of 70 to 2 mol % of the entire polymer, and has a weight-average molecular weight of from 1.times.10.sup.3 to 5.times.10.sup.6 in terms of polystrene.

Abstract: Crystalline polymers and copolymers of propylene in the form of spherical particles having a porosity (expressed in percentage of voids) greater than 15%. These polymers are useful in the preparation of masterbatch containing significant quantities of additives and/or pigments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophilic, swellable polymers which consist of radicals of the general formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 are defined as stated in the description, and of radicals of a crosslinking agent which have originated from monomers having at least two olefinically unsaturated double bonds, and which are characterized in that they are in the form of a highly porous, foam-like polyhedral structure, their preparation and their use as absorption agents for water and aqueous solutions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an unfoamed foil of at least one thermoplastic resin, said foil being capable of serving as an adhesive when softened and having included therein at least one blowing agent, and to the use thereof in preparing laminates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophilic, swellable polymers which consist of radicals of the general formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 are defined as stated in the description, and of radicals of a crosslinking agent which have originated from monomers having at least two olefinically unsaturated double bonds, and which are characterized in that they are in the form of a highly porous, foam-like polyhedral structure, their preparation and their use as absorption agents for water and aqueous solutions.

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

Abstract: A microcellular carbon foam characterized by a density in the range of about 30 to 1000 mg/cm.sup.3, substantially uniform distribution of cell sizes of diameters less than 100 .mu.m with a majority of the cells being of a diameter of less than about 10 .mu.m, well interconnected strut morphology providing open porosity, and an expanded d(002) X-ray turbostatic spacing greater than 3.50 angstroms. The precursor for the carbon foam is prepared by the phase inversion of polyacrylonitrile in a solution consisting essentially of at least one alkali metal halide and a phase inversion solvent for the polyacrylonitrile.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide volatile foaming agent compositions for thermoplastic resins capable of producing a thermoplastic resin foam without any shinkage or expansion after foaming.A volatile foaming agent composition for thermoplastic resin according to the present invention comprises 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoro-ethane.As the permeability of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoro-ethane in thermoplastic resins is smaller than that of the air, volatile foaming agent composition containing 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoro-ethane and other kind of volatile foaming agent having permeability higher than that of the air can be regulated to have the permeability similar to that of the air.Accordingly, the permeating speed of volatile foaming agent from the inside of foam cells to the outside and the permeating speed of substituting air into the foam cells from outside can be balanced and any shrinkage or expansion after foaming can be avoided.

Abstract: The cross-linkable, foamable polyolefin resin composition capable of forming foams with excellent mechanical properties and heat resistance is made of (a) .[.30-80.]. .Iadd.14-80 .Iaddend.weight % of a propylene-ethylene random copolymer having an ethylene content of 1.5-6 weight %; (b) 10-60 weight % of a propylene-ethylene random copolymer having an ethylene content of 0.2-1.0 weight %; (c) 10-60 weight % of a linear low-density polyethylene; and (d) 1-30 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the above resin components, of a foaming agent.