Abstract: This invention relates to latent foamable compositions for use in or as adhesives, sealants and/or coatings. The compositions include a curable component or a thermoplastic component, together with a latent foaming agent. In curable versions of the inventive compositions, a cure initiator or catalyst may also be included.

Abstract: An expanded cellular ethylenic polymer product is provided from an irradiated, noncross-linked linear ethylenic polymer. Linear ethylenic polymers can be irradiated at ambient conditions sufficient to introduce branching in the polymer in the absence of detectable cross-linking as indicated by the absence of gels. The irradiated linear ethylenic polymer is compatible with highly branched low density polyethylene and, when mixed therewith, produces a resin having a single broad based melting temperature range as determined by direct scanning calorimetry, which indicates that the polymers in the mixture have similar crystallization behavior suitable for producing low density foams by extrusion foaming. The linear polymers can be obtained from recycled shrink wrap film. Low densities of from 0.7 to less than 4 pcf can be achieved. The foams typically have improved tear resistance as compared to previous products prepared from low density polyethylene, at comparable low densities.

Abstract: Injection molding systems and methods useful for making microcellular foamed materials are provided as well as microcellular articles. Pressure drop rate and shear rate are important features in some embodiments, and the invention provides systems for controlling these parameters in an injection molding system. Another aspect involves an injection molding system including a nucleator that is upstream of a pressurized mold. Another aspect involves an extrusion system with the reciprocating screw for forming a single phase solution of non-nucleated blowing agent and polymeric material. Another aspect involves very thin walled microcellular material and very thin walled polymeric material. Another aspect provides a method for producing high weight reductions in very thin-walled parts with surfaces that have no noticeable differences from non-foamed parts.

Abstract: Insulating foam composition for insulation on communication cables, contains 20-95 wt % of an unmodified propylene polymer, having a melt index of 0.1 to 10 g/10 min at 230° C./2.16 kg; and 5-80 wt % of a modified propylene polymer, with a propylene content of up to 100 wt %, and a melt index of 0.05 to 10 g/10 min at 230° C./2.16 kg. The unmodified propylene polymer is a propylene homopolymer; a propylene copolymer of propylene and ethylene or an &agr;-olefin; a polyolefin mixture containing a crystalline copolymer of propylene and ethylene or an &agr;-olefin, and an elastic copolymer containing ethylene and propylene or an &agr;-olefin; or an amorphous, non-isotactic propylene polymer such as a propylene homopolymer, a propylene copolymer containing propylene and an &agr;-olefin. The modified propylene polymer is a polypropylene modified by reaction with a bismaleimido compound, ionizing radiation, or a peroxide.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to water resistant peelable protective and decorative clear or pigmented coating compositions and, more specifically, to aqueous and solvent based, polymeric coating compositions which form a protective and/or decorative coating and is removably adheres to a variety of substrates, including automotive paints, metals, glass, vinyl, plastics, concrete, natural and synthetic elastomers, and ceramics. The coatings can be either a flat film on the substrate, or a three-dimensional expandable foamy coating, and can be readily peeled off from the substrate as a whole piece. The coatings may be formulated for temporary or long-term protection depending upon the application. The peelable coatings can be applied as a paint, paste, film, or expandable foam cord whereby the expansion of the foam can be controlled by the formulation and applicator.

Abstract: 1-butene based polymer satisfying following requirements (1″) to (4″) provides formed product having low stickiness, superior flexibility and transparency.

Abstract: A micropore open cell foam composite and a method for manufacturing a micropore open cell foam composite wherein the micropore open cell foam composites comprise a micropore open cell foam having an open cell content of greater than about 80% volume and an average pore size of about 200 microns or less and a phase change material in the open cell foam in the amount of 80% volume or greater.

Abstract: This invention relates to porous polymer films and methods for their preparation. In particular the present invention relates to a method for preparing porous polymer films using ATRP or RAFT polymerisation, or using graft polymers prepared by living/controlled polymerisation or using microgels, methods for enhancing the uniformity of pore size in porous polymer films or for preparing porous polymer films having regularly spaced pores of substantially regular pore size, and methods for facilitating the casting of porous polymer films or for controlling or increasing the pore size of porous polymer films.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making foams by photopolymerizing 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. Articles and uses for the foams are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to form materials comprising polymeric material wherein the structure of the polymeric material contains elastic amorphous areas of nano-scale-size reinforced with self arranged crystalline domains of nano-crystals.

Abstract: A microbe-inhibiting (MI) compound is incorporated into a biodegradable polymer composition most preferably, a starch-based polymer, to inhibit microbial growth and to attenuate the biodegradation of the polymer composition. Such a composition is used to manufacture any of a number of articles, particularly those that come in contact with foods such as foam containers and fruit shock absorber nets as well as packing materials such as loose fill pellets.

Abstract: A process prepares expandable propylene polymer beads by mixing propylene polymer melt with a volatile organic blowing agent and with a nucleating agent in an extruder, whereupon the extrusion and pelletization of the extruded takes place in a water bath under conditions of temperature and pressure at which practically no foaming of the pellets takes place.

Abstract: The elastomeric composition for preparing an olefinic elastomer crosslinked foam according to the present invention contains an ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer (A) having a specific density and MFR, an organic peroxide (D), a crosslinking assistant (E), a foaming agent (F), an organic metal compound (G), and as necessary, a high pressure low density polyethylene (B) having a specific MFR, and an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (C) having a specific amount of vinyl acetate and a specific MFR. An olefinic elastomer crosslinked foam of the present invention can be obtained by crosslinking and foaming the above composition. Further, another olefinic elastomer crosslinked foam of the present invention can be obtained by a secondary compression of the above crosslinked foam. The footwear part of the present invention is made of these crosslinked foams.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to water resistant peelable protective and decorative clear or pigmented foam coating compositions and, more specifically, to aqueous and solvent based, polymeric coating compositions which form a protective and/or decorative coating and is removably adheres to a variety of substrates, including automotive paints, metals, glass, vinyl, plastics, concrete, natural and synthetic elastomers, and ceramics. The coatings present a three-dimensional expandable foamy coating, and can be readily peeled off from the substrate as a whole piece. The coatings may be formulated for temporary or long-term protection depending upon the application. The peelable coatings can be applied as a paint, paste, film, or expandable foam cord whereby the expansion of the foam can be controlled by the formulation and applicator.

Abstract: The invention discloses an electromagnetic energy adaptation material, which can absorb electromagnetic energy, the material including a mixture of at least one liquid with at least one surfactant. The liquid may be a dipolar molecular liquid, and may be pressurised by means of a gas. Further the use of an electromagnetic energy adaptation material in the form of a foam for covering an object to prevent detection thereof by an electromagnetic energy detection apparatus, such as radar equipment, is disclosed. Finally a method of minimising or altering detection of an object by means of electromagnetic energy detection apparatus is suggested, which includes the steps of coating such an object or a zone spaced away from such an object at least partially by means of a foam of an electromagnetic energy adaptation material.

Abstract: An olefinic thermoplastic elastomer composition which includes an acrylic-modified polytetrfuoroethylene. 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: There are disclosed: (1) a container comprising a foamed olefin resin, wherein weight W (g) and content volume V (ml) of the container satisfy the following expression (1): W(g)/V(ml)≦0.055  (1), and (2) a process for producing the container by a blow molding method.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially spherical porous beads of an aromatic polyether ketone resin, which have an average particle diameter of 50 to 5,000 &mgr;m and a porosity of 40 to 99%. Also disclosed is a method for producing porous beads, which comprises: mixing, while heating, an aromatic polyether ketone resin with a sol vent capable of dissolving the resin to thereby obtain a resin solution; dispersing the resin solution in a liquid dispersion medium which is incapable of dissolving the resin and is non-miscible with the solvent, to thereby obtain a dispersion having the resin solution dispersed therein in the form of globules; cooling the dispersion while maintaining the dispersed form of the resin solution in the liquid dispersion medium, to thereby solidify the resin in the resin solution; and separating the solidified resin from a mixture of the solvent and the liquid dispersion medium, thereby obtaining substantially spherical porous beads of the aromatic polyether ketone resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pipe insulation made from a polyolefin thermal insulation foam which is made by extruding, using a physical blowing agent, a foam composition comprising 77-99% by weight of a metallocene polyethylene, 5-18% by weight of a flame extinguisher, 3-8% by weight of a cell stabilizer and 0-5% by weight of other usual foam additives. The invention further relates to a method for preparing a physically foamed polyolefin thermal insulation foam and to the foam prepared therewith. The foam is very flexible and as a result the pipe insulation is particularly suitable for the thermal insulation of pipes for split air conditioning, district heating, solar energy exploitation and the process industry, even when it regards thin and/or twisting pipes. The pipe insulation can be recycled well.

Abstract: A pre-applied, remoistenable foamed adhesive useful in bonding substrates together.

Abstract: A process for producing graphitic foam comprises mixing a first amount of an activated first carbon precursor with a second amount of a second carbon precursor, heating the mixture of the activated first and the second carbon precursors to a temperature sufficient to coalesce the mixture into a liquid, foaming the mixture, heating the foam under an inert atmosphere to a temperature and for a length of time sufficient to carbonize the foam, and heating the carbonized foam under an inert atmosphere to a temperature and for a length of time sufficient to graphitize the foam.

Abstract: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, with increasing the cell orientation and reducing cell anisotropic ratio, as well as the process method for making the products thereof for improving the insulating properties and for reducing the manufacturing cost of the foam products. Alternatively, foam insulating products having increased cell compressive strength may be made by decreasing the cell orientation and increasing the cell anisotropic ratio.

Abstract: The invention is to provide an extruded product of a foamed rubber satisfying requisite features as to the abrasion resistance or the surface skin in the glass run, while maintaining the foaming magnification enabling to reply the demands of the weight lightening. An ethylene-&agr;-olefin based rubber is substantially a raw rubber, and is extruded from a compounded material of the foamed rubber prepared (vulcanized material) with a thermal decomposition typed foaming agent. This extruded product of the foamed rubber has physical properties of foaming magnification: 1.05 to 1.55, bubble diameter: 110 &mgr;m or less, and thickness of skin layer: 130 &mgr;m or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a water-soluble foam matrix which is capable of delivering an active ingredient and articles of manufacture comprising said foam matrix, said article comprising:

Abstract: The invention includes a process for providing a coupled propylene polymer foam. The invention also includes any composition comprising a product formed by the process of the invention and any article formed from such a composition.

Abstract: A fibrillated foamed article and process for producing the same is described. The fibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as a diffuse reflector for use in optical applications such as computer displays and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.

Abstract: An expanded cellular ethylenic polymer product is provided from an irradiated, noncross-linked linear ethylenic polymer. Linear ethylenic polymers can be irradiated at ambient conditions sufficient to introduce branching in the polymer in the absence of detectable cross-linking as indicated by the absence of gels. The irradiated linear ethylenic polymer is compatible with highly branched low density polyethylene and, when mixed therewith, produces a resin having a single broad based melting temperature range as determined by direct scanning calorimetry, which indicates that the polymers in the mixture have similar crystallization behavior suitable for producing low density foams by extrusion foaming. The linear polymers can be obtained from recycled shrink wrap film. Low densities of from 0.7 to less than 4 pcf can be achieved. The foams typically have improved tear resistance as compared to previous products prepared from low density polyethylene, at comparable low densities.

Abstract: Microporous materials and articles are disclosed. The microporous materials contain a crystallizable propylene-containing polymer, a beta-nucleating agent, and a diluent that is miscible with the polymer at a temperature above the melting temperature of the polymer and that phase separates from the polymer at a temperature below the polymer crystallization temperature. The invention is also directed to methods of forming the microporous material using thermal induced phase separation and subsequent processing.

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/&agr;-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 foam, comprising a blend of (a) from 0.1 to 4.9 weight percent ethylene/styrene interpolymer; and (b) from 95.1 to 99.9 weight percent polyethylene homopolymer or copolymer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fire-resistant polyolefin comprising between 5 and 90% of chlorinated polyethylene, a method for preparing them and their use for making foams or thermoformed products. The invention also concerns the resulting foams and thermoformed products and the use of the resulting foams.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a foamed resin article, the process comprising: a step (the first step) of impregnating any one crystalline thermoplastic resin or resin composition containing, as an elementary ingredient, a crystalline thermoplastic resin selected from a certain group, under an elevated pressure which is not lower than the critical pressure of a substance with which the selected crystalline thermoplastic resin or resin composition is to be impregnated, with a fluid of the substance, and a step (the second step) of releasing the resin or resin composition impregnated with the substance from the foregoing pressurized condition in a period of less than 10 seconds.

Abstract: An expanded cellular ethylenic polymer product is provided from an irradiated, noncross-linked linear ethylenic polymer. Linear ethylenic polymers can be irradiated at ambient conditions sufficient to introduce branching in the polymer in the absence of detectable cross-linking as indicated by the absence of gels. The irradiated linear ethylenic polymer is compatible with highly branched low density polyethylene and, when mixed therewith, produces a resin having a single broad based melting temperature range as determined by direct scanning calorimetry, which indicates that the polymers in the mixture have similar crystallization behavior suitable for producing low density foams by extrusion foaming. The linear polymers can be obtained from recycled shrink wrap film. Low densities of from 0.7 to less than 4 pcf can be achieved. The foams typically have improved tear resistance as compared to previous products prepared from low density polyethylene, at comparable low densities.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for forming microcellular polymeric material, via injection molding, blow molding, continuous extrusion, or the like, at very low blowing agent levels, are described. The invention involves, in one aspect, the discovery of a region of very low blowing agent level where, surprisingly, microcellular material can be formed. Articles with particularly good surface properties are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a foam composite wood replacement material and a method for its manufacture. One embodiment of the present invention is a cellulosic/polymer foamable composite material. The composite material may include at least one cellulosic filler in the amount of about 20% to about 60% by weight and a plastic material in the amount of about 40% to about 80% by weight. The plastic material may include stabilizer(s) in an amount of about 1 to about 10 parts per 100 parts of a polymer resin, lubricant(s) in an amount of about 1 to about 12 parts per 100 parts of the polymer resin, process aid(s) in an amount of about 2 to about 15 parts per 100 parts of the polymer resin, and blowing agent(s) in amount of about 0.25 to about 5 parts per 100 parts of the polymer resin. Examples of the polymer resin are polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene. The foamable composite may be used to make structural components such as siding units.

Abstract: Expanded, substantially non-crosslinked polypropylene resin beads capable of producing a high rididity foamed molding at a relatively low temperature. The beads are produced by a process including a step of dispersing substantially non-crosslinked polypropylene resin particles in a dispersing medium containing an organic peroxide to obtain a dispersion, a step of heating the dispersion to decompose the organic peroxide and to modify the surface of the surface-modified polypropylene resin particles, and a step of expanding the non-crosslinked, surface-modified polypropylene resin particles using a blowing agent.

Abstract: An extruded thin sheet foam is disclosed prepared from a polyolefin resin in which the blowing agent comprises a blend of from about 1 to 25% by weight of carbon dioxide and the balance of C3 to C4 VOCs. Thin foam sheets produced with the blowing agent age about twice as fast as foams prepared with VOCs, are remarkably stable, and can be produced at high throughputs.

Abstract: An extruded, coalesced foam strand propylene polymer material that is either open-celled and useful for sound insulation applications or close celled and useful for thermal insulation applications. An apparatus suitable for preparing such foams with an expanded cross-section.

Abstract: There are provided:

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods, and articles useful in the production of foams, and, in particular microcellular foams. The systems include a restriction element that reduces the backflow of polymer melt in an extruder while polymeric material is injected into a mold or ejected from a die. The restriction element is positioned upstream of a blowing agent injection port to maintain the solution of polymer and blowing agent in the extruder above a minimum pressure throughout an injection or ejection cycle, and preferably above the critical pressure required for the maintenance of a single-phase solution of polymer and blowing agent. The systems can be used in injection molding, blow molding, or in any other processing techniques that include injection or ejection cycles. In some embodiments, the systems utilize reciprocating screws for injection or ejection.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of superabsorbers is disclosed. The process entails subjecting a polyacrylonitrile precipitation polymer alkaline hydrolysis to obtain a hydrolysis product. The hydrolysate that may optionally be neutralized is dried and ground and optionally modified by crosslinking of its surface. The inventive superabsorber is suitable for the preparation of nappies, incontinence articles, water-storage materials and electric cable coverings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process comprising the following phases: the feeding and melting of polypropylene to obtain a molten polymer; addition to the molten polymer of possible additives; mixing of the molten polymer with the additives; introduction of the expanding agent CO2 into the molten polymer; extrusion of the molten polymer, expanding agent and possible additives to produce an expanded polypropylene, wherein the polypropylene fed and melted in the first phase consists of a polypropylene which contains a quantity ranging from 15 to 25% of high melt strength polypropylene and wherein the temperature is lowered to a value of about 160° C. immediately after introducing the CO2 gas into the molten polymer.

Abstract: A process additive for polyolefin films and foams produces products having reduced aging time and reduced greasiness and reduced grease-like transfer as compared to glycerol monostearate (GMS). Carbon dioxide based blowing agents are suitable. The process additive comprises a fatty acid N-aliphatic alcohol amide of the general formula R—CON(R′)R″. R is a fatty hydrocarbon radical having from about 8 to 30 carbons. R′ typically is hydrogen. R′ can also be an alkyl radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons or an alkyl alcohol radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons. R″ is an alkyl alcohol fragment of from about 1 to 6 carbons. The alkyl alcohol fragments can be monohydric or polyhydric. Secondary fatty monoalkanolamides in which R′ is hydrogen are particularly useful, especially stearamide monoethanolamine (MEA).

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: A material that is bio-degradable includes a mixture composed of 69.8% of Polyethylene, 30% of starch and 0.2% of foaming agent. The mixture is heated and foamed in a mold or is blown by a blowing molding machine to a desired shape. The material is bio-degradable.

Abstract: 1-butene based polymer satisfying following requirements (1″) to (4″) provides formed product having low stickiness, superior flexibility and transparency.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing a thermoplastic foam sheet comprising contacting a molten monovinylidene aromatic or olefinic polymer with a physical blowing agent to form a polymer/blowing agent mixture, and foaming the mixture into a region of lower pressure within a sheet extrusion line, wherein the extrudate is pulled and compressed to form a thermoplastic foam sheet having a uniform thickness.

Abstract: This invention provides an expanded open-cell foam polymer composition comprising at least one linear or modified linear polyolefin, at least 50% of the cells being open, and the cells having an average size of at least 1 millimeter. It is desirable that the composition have a sound absorption coefficient as determined by ASTM D 1050 at 1,000 Hz which is greater than 0.15. In preferred foams the composition has an airflow resistivity of less than about 800,000 Rayls/m.

Abstract: A hemo- and biocompatible polymeric adsorbing material for purification of physiological fluids of an organism has a plurality of beads, each having a core having hydrophobic properties and a plurality of pores, and a coating having a hydrophilic, hemo- and bicompatible property applied on a surface of the core and occupying about 20%-90% of the surface of the core so as to form on the surface of the core alternating portions of the hydrophilic hemo- and biocompatible coating and portions of hydrophobic core which are not covered with the coating. A method of producing the material includes the selective coating of the surface of the core. A device for and a method of purification of physiological fluids of organism includes the use of the new material.

Abstract: A process additive for polyolefin films and foams produces products having reduced aging time and reduced greasiness and reduced grease-like transfer as compared to glycerol monostearate (GMS). Carbon dioxide based blowing agents are suitable. The process additive comprises a fatty acid Naliphatic alcohol amide of the general formula R—CON(R′)R″. R is a fatty hydrocarbon radical having from about 8 to 30 carbons. R′ typically is hydrogen. R′ can also be an alkyl radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons or an alkyl alcohol radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons. R″ is an alkyl alcohol fragment of from about 1 to 6 carbons. The alkyl alcohol fragments can be monohydric or polyhydric. Secondary fatty monoalkanolamides in which R′ is hydrogen are particularly useful, especially stearamide monoethanolamine (MEA).