Abstract: The present invention concerns method of preparing shape memory materials starting from standard thermoplastic polymers. The present invention further is concerned with products obtained by the methods in accordance with the present invention and the use of these products over a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: An earplug comprising a foam composition containing a polyvinyl chloride resin and less than about 5 wt % monomeric phthalate, based on the total weight of the foam composition, is described. The foam composition may include a plasticizer containing less than or equal to about 2 wt % monomeric phthalate, based on the total weight of the plasticizer. The earplugs have slow recovery times from 60 percent compression to 10 percent compression of about 10 to about 60 seconds.

Abstract: Olefin polymer-based, durable, open-cell foam compositions, structures and articles derived from same; methods for preparation of such foams; and use of the dry durable foams in various applications are disclosed. Further described is use of the foams and structures and articles made of same in absorption, filtration, insulation, cushioning and backing applications, and in particular for odor removal, hygiene and medical applications due to, among other properties, good absorption capabilities, softness and/or flexibility of the foams and their recyclable nature.

Abstract: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, containing nano-graphite as a process additive for improving the physical properties of foam products.

Abstract: Composites, such as syntactic foams, are described. The composite contains at least one polymer and at least one aerogel. The aerogel is coated with a coating substance to at least substantially prevent the intrusion of the polymer into the pores of the aerogel. Methods of making the composite are also described, as well as uses of the composite.

Abstract: An electrically and ionically conductive porous material including a thermoplastic binder and one or more of anion exchange moieties or cation exchange moieties or mixtures thereof and/or one or more of a protein capture resin and an electrically conductive material. The thermoplastic binder immobilizes the moieties with respect to each other but does not substantially coat the moieties and forms the electrically conductive porous material. A wafer of the material and a method of making the material and wafer are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for producing a cross-linked polyolefin foam in a continuous process using standard processing equipment without using a moisture cross-linking step after processing. In this method, a vinyl functional silane compound is melt grafted onto a low density polyethylene in the presence of a free radical generator. The resulting silane grafted polyethylene resin is mixed and melted with a blowing agent in a continuous process in the presence of water to form a vinyl functional silane foam.

Abstract: Foamed film compositions using chemical blowing agents and produced by continuous blown film extrusion or cast film extrusion of polymer foams. The composition has small cell size and is suitable for the production of thin film articles. The articles may be monolayer or multilayered structures.

Abstract: Olefin polymer-based, durable, open-cell foam compositions, structures and articles derived from same; methods for preparation of such foams; and use of the dry durable foams in various applications are disclosed. Further described is use of the foams and structures and articles made of same in absorption, filtration, insulation, cushioning and backing applications, and in particular for odor removal, hygiene and medical applications due to, among other properties, good absorption capabilities, softness and/or flexibility of the foams and their recyclable nature.

Abstract: A microporous layer comprising a microporous xerogel comprising pores that are substantially continuously interconnected from a first outermost surface of the microporous xerogel through to a second outermost surface of the microporous xerogel; and a crosslinked polymer binder comprising a polymer having a glass transition temperature of about 50° C. or higher, wherein the polymer binder is water soluble prior to crosslinking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microporous polyethylene film for a battery separator and a method of producing the same. The microporous polyethylene film comprises a resin mixture, which includes 100 parts by weight of composition containing 20-50 wt % polyethylene with a weight average molecular weight of 5×104-3×105 (component I) and 80-50 wt % diluent (component II), 0.1-2 parts by weight of peroxide (component III), and 0.05-0.5 parts by weight of anti-oxidant (component IV). The microporous polyethylene film has a puncture strength of 0.22 N/?m or more and a gas permeability (Darcy's permeability constant) of 1.3×10?5 Darcy or more. The present invention increases production efficiency of the microporous film, and improves performances and stability of the battery when the microporous polyethylene film is used in a battery separator.

Abstract: A polyolefin foam capable of absorbing high amounts of liquid comprises 30 to 94 wt % of a foamable polyolefin and 6 to 70 wt % of a particulate solid material.

Abstract: A porous ion exchanger includes an open cell structure including interconnected macropores and mesopores whose average diameter is in a range of 1 to 1000 ?m existing on walls of the macropores. Moreover, a total pore volume is in a range of 1 to 50 ml/g, ion exchange groups are uniformly distributed, and an ion exchange capacity is not less than 0.5 mg equivalent/g of dry porous ion exchanger. The porous ion exchanger can be used as an ion exchanger filled into a deionization module of an electrodeionization water purification device, solid acid catalyst, adsorbent, and filler for chromatography.

Abstract: A polypropylene-based resin composition for injection foam molding, containing (A) 50 to 95 parts by weight of a linear polypropylene-based resin having a melt flow rate of from 10 g/10 min. to 100 g/10 min. and a melt tension of 2 cN or less and (B) 5 to 50 parts by weight of a modified polypropylene having a melt flow rate of from 0.1 g/10 min. to less than 10 g/10 min. and a melt tension of 5 cN or more and exhibiting a strain hardening property (provided that a total of the resin (A) and the resin (B) is 100 parts by weight) and a foaming agent are supplied to an injection molding machine to be injected into a die, thereby achieving a foam molding. It is thus possible to obtain a injection foamed molded article which has a satisfactory injection foam moldability, a skin layer having little silver streaks or the like on its surface, and an internal core layer having a foam of high expansion ratio and uniformly fine and a excellent appearance glossiness, lightweightness, and rigidity at a low cost.

Abstract: Oilfield elements and assemblies are described comprising, in one embodiment, an elastomeric composition comprising the reaction product of a linear or branched polymer having residual ethylenic unsaturation with an ethylenically unsaturated organic monomer having at least one reactive moiety selected from acid, acid anhydride, and acid salt, the elastomeric composition formed into an oilfield element. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a water dispersible polymer particle stabilized by a hydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide dispersant. The present invention also discloses a heterogeneous method for forming polymer particles comprising providing a water immiscible organic phase comprising at least one monomer dispersed in a continuous water phase and a hydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide, and polymerizing said organic phase to yield polymer particles stabilized with hydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide. Also disclosed in the present invention is a heterogeneous method for forming polymer particles comprising providing a water immiscible organic dispersed in a continuous water phase, polymerizing said organic phase, and adding bydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide to yield polymer particles stabilized with hydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide.

Abstract: Low density polymeric beads made by polymerizing monomeric building blocks into large crosslinked polymer molecules in porous, spherical bead form by droplet or suspension polymerization in the presence of a porogen.

Abstract: Olefin polymer-based, durable, open-cell foam compositions, structures and articles derived from same; methods for preparation of such foams; and use of the dry durable foams in various applications are disclosed. Further described is use of the foams and structures and articles made of same in absorption, filtration, insulation, cushioning and backing applications, and in particular for odor removal, hygiene and medical applications due to, among other properties, good absorption capabilities, softness and/or flexibility of the foams and their recyclable nature.

Abstract: Disclosed are hollow polymer particles composed of a crosslinked polymer having a comparatively small particle diameter and a narrow particle diameter distribution, an aqueous dispersion of the particles, and an ink having good flying property. The hollow polymer particles are obtained by emulsion-polymerizing a crosslinkable polymerizable monomer composition absorbed in seed particles and containing a crosslinkable monomer component and a hydrophilic monomer component, wherein the seed particles are particles of a polymer having a weight average molecular weight of 500 to 15,000, and obtained by emulsion-polymerizing 100 parts by mass of a non-crosslinkable polymerizable monomer in the presence of 0.01 to 5 parts by mass of a chain transfer agent composed of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of ?-methylstyrene dimer, thiuram disulfides and terpene hydrocarbons. The ink contains the hollow polymer particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermo-expansive microspheres comprising thermoplastic resinous shell and a blowing agent being encapsulated in the shell, the blowing agent which is a fluorine-containing C2-10 compound having ether linkage, being free of chlorine and bromine atoms and gasifying at a temperature not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin; and also provides the production and application processes thereof. The thermo-expansive microspheres have preferably an average particle size ranging from 1 to 100 ?m and a CV, or coefficient of variation, of particle size distribution being 30% or less, and a retaining ratio of blowing agent encapsulated being 90% or more. The thermo-expansive microspheres have low environmental loading and superior flame-retardant or flame-resistant performance, and have particle sizes distributing in narrow ranges.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microporous high density polyethylene film for a battery separator and a method of producing the same. The microporous high density polyethylene film includes high density polyethylene with a weight average molecular weight of 2×105-5×105, containing 5 wt % or less molecule with a molecular weight of 1×104 or less. The microporous high density polyethylene film has tensile strengths of 1,100 kg/cm2 or more in transverse and machine directions respectively, a puncture strength of 0.22 N/?m or more, a gas permeability (Darcy's permeability constant) of 1.3×10?5 Darcy or more, and shrinkages of 5% or less in machine and transverse directions, respectively. Particularly, the microporous high density polyethylene film has an excellent extrusion-compoundabiliy and stretchability and a high productivity, and can improve the performances and stability of a battery produced using the same.

Abstract: A method for producing a macroporous acrylic resin in an aqueous suspension from a C1-C4 alkyl acrylate, an organic solvent and a crosslinker.

Abstract: A blowing agent blend for making thermoplastic polymer foams comprises methyl formate. The blowing agent blend can further comprise at least one co-blowing agent. The co-blowing agent is either a physical co-blowing agent (e.g. an inorganic agent, a hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon with polar, functional group(s), water or any combination thereof), or a chemical co-blowing agent, or combinations thereof. The thermoplastic polymer foam can be an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam, e.g. a polystyrene foam. The blowing agent blend can comprise any combination of methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce stable foams for various applications, including containers, packaging systems, as well as insulation boards and building materials. A process for the preparation of such foams is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a macroporous acrylic resin in an aqueous suspension from a C1-C4 alkyl acrylate, an organic solvent and a crosslinker.

Abstract: A blowing agent blend for making thermoplastic polymer foams comprises methyl formate. The blowing agent blend can further comprise at least one co-blowing agent. The co-blowing agent is either a physical co-blowing agent (e.g. an inorganic agent, a hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon with polar, functional group(s), water or any combination thereof), or a chemical co-blowing agent, or combinations thereof. The thermoplastic polymer foam can be an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam, e.g. a polystyrene foam. The blowing agent blend can comprise 100 mol % methyl formate, or it can comprise any combination of methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce stable foams. A process for the preparation of such foams is also provided.

Abstract: A specific relationship must be met in case of: (a) a structural unit derived from propylene is present in 100 to 85 mole %, and a structural unit derived from ethylene and/or alpha-olefin with 4 to 20 carbons is present in 0 to 15 mole %; (b) a content of a position irregularity unit based on 2, 1-insertion of a propylene monomer unit in all propylene insertions, which is measured by 13C-NMR, is 0.5% to 2.0% and a content of a position irregularity unit based on 1,3-insertion of propylene monomer unit in all propylene insertions, which is measured by 13C-NMR, is 0.005% to 0.4%; and (c) a water vapor transmission rate is Y [g/m2/24 hr] as film and a melting point Tm[° C.] shows specific relationship.

Abstract: A low density, flexible, resilient, absorbent open-cell thermoplastic foam includes a combination of thermoplastic elastomer, ethylene ionomer, stiff polymer, and surfactant selected to provide various advantageous properties. The foam is useful in personal care absorbent articles, medical absorbent articles, absorbent wiping articles, and a variety of other applications.

Abstract: Expandable vinylaromatic polymers which comprise: a) a matrix obtained by polymerizing 50-100% by weight of one or more vinylaromatic monomers and 0.50% by weight of a copolymerizable monomer; b) 1-10% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an expanding agent englobed in the polymeric matrix; c) 0.05-25% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an inorganic filler homogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix with a substantially spherical granulometry, an average diameter ranging from 0.01 to 100 ?m, a refraction index higher than 1.6 and a white index, as defined in “Colour Index” (third edition published by the Society of Dyers and Colourists, 1982), equal to or lower than 22.

Abstract: The invention is a reactive hot melt composition which has excellent adhesion and curing properties, and can be formulated into free-flowing pellets or beads, by using an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, and athylene-methacrylic acid copolymer, and/or an ethylene-acrylic acid methacrylic acid terpolymer as a component of the composition along with free radical crosslinking initiators. The incorporation of a foaming agent enables the production of compositions which are useful in space-filling applications, (i.e., as so-called “anti-flutter” compositions).

Abstract: A thermoprocessable polymeric composition formed by ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymers containing from 0.5 to 20% by moles of ethylene, optionally in combination with the chlorotrifluoroethylene homopolymer, wherein the composition contains in total from 90 to 99.5% by moles of chlorotrifluoroethylene and from 0.5-10% by moles of ethylene; said polymeric composition having a second melting temperature (TmII) higher than 185° C., preferably higher than 200° C.

Abstract: High density polyethylene having reduced melt elasticity and a reduced level of highly short-chain branched polymer molecules and wire and cable insulation compositions based thereon having improved strippability and oxidative stability are provided.

Abstract: A cellular thermoplastic polyolefin foam comprising at least one particulate additive in admixture with a polymer matrix is disclosed, along with a process and foamable gel for manufacturing the same, wherein the polyolefin matrix comprises at least one polymer resin graft-modified with at least one polar group selected from the group consisting of acid, acid ester, and acid anhydride, and salts thereof. The invention facilitates the manufacture of macrocellular foams useful for acoustic absorption having increased amounts of particulate additives that provide certain desired properties difficult to achieve without the particulate additives, such as improved flame retardancy.

Abstract: A plastic is converted from an initial condition with a higher density into a foamed condition with a lower density using a blowing agent, wherein the plastic is cross-linked prior to foaming by means of a first cross-linking agent and during the foaming by means of at least one second cross-linking agent.

Abstract: An expandable material and articles incorporating the same are disclosed. The material includes a polymeric admixture; a blowing agent; a curing agent; a tackifier; and optionally, a filler or fiber.

Abstract: A crosslinked olefin elastomer foam has a specific gravity of 0.05 to 0.2, an expansion ratio of 8 to 15, a compression set of 30 to 60% and a tear strength of 1.5 to 2.5 kg/cm. The crosslinked foam is obtained by heating an elastomer composition comprising a specific ethylene/?-olefin copolymer, an organic peroxide, a crosslinking auxiliary and a foaming agent. The crosslinked foam has a high expansion ratio, is free from surface roughening attributed to defoaming, realizes a soft touch, exhibits a low compression set and is excellent in mechanical strength (particularly tear strength) and heat resistance.

Abstract: A crosslinked olefin elastomer foam has a specific gravity of 0.05 to 0.2, an expansion ratio of 8 to 15, a compression set of 30 to 60% and a tear strength of 1.5 to 2.5 kg/cm. The crosslinked foam is obtained by heating an elastomer composition comprising a specific ethylene/?-olefin copolymer, an organic peroxide, a crosslinking auxiliary and a foaming agent. The crosslinked foam has a high expansion ratio, is free from surface roughening attributed to defoaming, realizes a soft touch, exhibits a low compression set and is excellent in mechanical strength (particularly tear strength) and heat resistance.

Abstract: A process for preparing porous olefin polymers comprising bringing into contact in a polymerization reactor, at a temperature T1, one or more olefins of the formula (I) CH2?CHR1, R1 being hydrogen, a C1–C20-alkyl or a C6–C12-aryl group, with a catalyst obtained by reacting a solid catalyst component in the form of spheroidal particles comprising a compound of Ti or V not containing metal-? bonds and a Mg halide, optionally containing one or more electron donor compounds, with an aluminum-alkyl (Al-alkyl) compound, then raising the temperature up to the polymerization temperature, said process being characterized in that: a) if the temperature T1 is lower than 40° C.

Abstract: A water insoluble interpenetrating polymer network is obtained by independently cross-linking a first polymer derived from a sulfonic acid or phosphonic acid group containing alkenyl monomer and a second polymer polymerized independently of the first polymer and interpenetrating the first polymer, where the second polymer is selectively permeable to water compared to methanol. Through adjustment of the degree of first polymer monomer acidification, polymer ratios and the extent of cross-linking in the at least two interpenetrating polymers, ion conductivity and solvent permeability are controlled. A film produced from such a water insoluble interpenetrating polymer network is well suited as a membrane in a direct methanol fuel cell. The relative degree and mechanism of cross-linking and interpenetrating the first polymer and second polymer are also adjustable parameters that impact on film properties.

Abstract: A porous ion exchanger includes an open cell structure including interconnected macropores and mesopores whose average diameter is in a range of 1 to 1000 ?m existing on walls of the macropores. Moreover, a total pore volume is in a range of 1 to 50 ml/g, ion exchange groups are uniformly distributed, and an ion exchange capacity is not less than 0.5 mg equivalent/g of dry porous ion exchanger. The porous ion exchanger can be used as an ion exchanger filled into a deionization module of an electrodeionization water purification device, solid acid catalyst, adsorbent, and filler for chromatography.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer wherein an increased rate of water absorption is obtained by the addition of an encapsulated blowing agent. The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer including an encapsulating blowing agent and having a vortex time of 40 seconds or less. In particular, the superabsorbent polymer includes from about 55 to about 99.9 wt. % of polymerizable unsaturated acid group containing monomers; from about 0.001 to about 5.0 wt. % of internal crosslinking agent; wherein the wherein the composition has a degree of neutralization of more than about 20%; and from about 0.05 to about 10.0 wt. % of an encapsulated blowing agent.

Abstract: A compound permitting the economic production of packaging containers, which when activated produces concentrated amounts of CO2 gas for extended periods for preservation of perishable products therein, comprises a mixture including a CO2 generating portion incorporated within a polymer matrix. Preferably, the mixture includes citric acid; calcium carbonate, and polyethylene resin. More preferably, the mixture includes a mixture of a carboxylic acid (0.1–40%); a hydrogen carbonate (0.1–40%) and any polyolefin resin. Even more preferably, the mixture includes a mixture including (0.01–40%) Citric Acid; (0.01–40%); and 30–75% polyethylene resin. Most preferably, the mixture includes by weight 12% citric acid; 38% calcium carbonate; and 50% low density polyethylene resin with a melt index of 20 and a density of 0.924 g/cc. Alternatively, the carboxylic acid and hydrogen carbonate components are compounded into separate polymer matrixes, and later combined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing one or more macroporous cross-linked polymer particles, which comprises polymerization and cross-linking of divinyl ether monomers in an inert solvent, in which method the polymerization is free radical initiated. The invention also relates to particles so produced, which are useful as separation medium e.g. in RPC or, after suitable derivatization, in other chromatographic methods.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making uncrosslinked foams by polymerizing emulsions comprising a reactive phase and a phase immiscible with the reactive phase components. Foams made from water-in-oil emulsions, including high internal phase emulsion are disclosed. The foams may be polymized with photoinitiators, thermal initiators, or redox initiators. Articles and uses for the foams are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing a polypropylene foam by mixing a high melt strength polypropylene and a blowing agent to form a melt mixture, reducing the temperature of the melt mixture at the exit of the apparatus to an exit temperature that is no more than 30° C. above the melt temperature of the neat polypropylene while maintaining the melt mixture at a pressure sufficient to prevent foaming; passing the mixture through said exit shaping orifice and exposing the mixture to atmospheric pressure, whereby the blowing agent expands causing cell formation resulting in foam formation, and orienting said foam. The foam is useful as tape backings, thermal and acoustical insulation and as a diffuse reflector for use in optical applications such as computer displays.

Abstract: The invention provides in one aspect a process for preparing a microgel by RAFT polymerizing in the presence of a RAFT chain transfer agent, one or more solvophobic monomers and one or more solvophilic monomers to form one or more block copolymers comprising one or more solvophobic blocks and one or more solvophilic blocks wherein the solvophobic block is insoluble in a dispersing medium and the solvophilic block is soluble in the dispersing medium. The block copolymer is dispersed in the dispersing medium to form micelles, which is then stabilized to form the microgel. The dispersing medium can be aqueous or lipophilic. The method of the present invention also permits one to encapsulate a wide variety of materials, such as pigments, dye molecules, and aluminum flakes used in metallized paints.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for the formation of superporous hydrogels using an ion-equilibration technique. Anionic polysaccharides are included in the hydrogel reaction mixture and cations are introduced either during or after hydrogel formation. Properties of the resulting hydrogel can be subsequently adjusted by treating the cation-complexed gel with a different cation or cation mixture under equilibrating conditions. It has been found that by properly adjusting the cations and the sequence in which they are used in the equilibration process, superporous hydrogels can be formed that are highly absorbent while maintaining favorable structural properties, including strength, ruggedness, and resiliency. It has also been found that applying appropriate dehydration conditions to them after their formation can further stabilize the superporous hydrogels formed by the method of the invention.

Abstract: An olefinic thermoplastic elastomer composition which includes an acrylic-modified polytetrafluoroethylene. When foamed, such compositions produce a very soft foam with improved processing properties and physical characteristics. A process of foaming and foamed articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A porous ion exchanger includes an open cell structure including interconnected macropores and mesopores whose average diameter is in a range of 1 to 1000 ?m existing on walls of the macropores. Moreover, a total pore volume is in a range of 1 to 50 ml/g, ion exchange groups are uniformly distributed, and an ion exchange capacity is not less than 0.5 mg equivalent/g of dry porous ion exchanger. The porous ion exchanger can be used as an ion exchanger filled into a deionization module of an electrodeionization water purification device, solid acid catalyst, adsorbent, and filler for chromatography.

Abstract: Hydrogels having improved elasticity and mechanical strength properties are obtained by subjecting a hydrogel formulation containing a strengthening agent to chemical or physical crosslinking conditions subsequent to initial gel formation. Superporous hydrogels having improved elasticity and mechanical strength properties are similarly obtained whenever the hydrogel formulation is provided with a foaming agent. Interpenetrating networks of polymer chains comprised of primary polymer(s) and strengthening polymer(s) are thereby formed. The primary polymer affords capillary-based water sorption properties while the strengthening polymer imparts significantly enhanced mechanical strength and elasticity to the hydrogel or superporous hydrogel. Suitable strengthening agents can be natural or synthetic polymers, polyelectrolytes, or neutral, hydrophilic polymers.

Abstract: Low density polymeric beads made by polymerizing monomeric building blocks into large crosslinked polymer molecules in porous, spherical bead form by droplet or suspension polymerization in the presence of a porogen.