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: The present invention concerns a process for producing a synthetic resin foam composed of cells having substantially two sizes, one of the sizes being at most 0.3 mm and the other size as being 0.4 to 1 mm, comprising the steps of:forming a mixture of one or more of a water-absorbent high molecular compound, a cell-controlling agent, a synthetic resin, and water; melting the mixture with heating; incorporating a volatile type foaming agent into the mixture under pressure; and extruding the mixture into a lower pressure space to form a foam.

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: Stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions containing polymerizable vinyl monomers, crosslinking monomers and polymerization initiators are obtained by using saccharide fatty acid esters as surfactants. The amount of surfactants necessary to form stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions is decreased by using saccharide fatty acid esters as surfactants. Further, hydrophobic foams can be obtained by using saccharide fatty acid esters.

Abstract: A method for lowering the melt flow rate of flame retardant expanded polystyrene is provided. The method comprises treating the flame retardant expanded polystyrene with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. In another aspect of the present invention a method for pelletizing recycled flame retardant expanded polystyrene is provided. The method comprises treating ground flame retardant polystyrene in an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate; condensing the treated polystyrene; extruding the polystyrene; and pelletizing the polystyrene. In another aspect of the present invention the electrostatic build-up on polystyrene is reduced by contacting the polystyrene with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: Bead-form expandable styrene polymers are obtained by suspension polymerization of styrene with addition of from 1 to 10% by weight of C.sub.3 - to C.sub.7 -hydrocarbons and/or carbon dioxide as blowing agent and, if desired, conventional additives, using, as suspension stabilizer, a mixture of magnesium pyrophosphate, a sulfonate group-containing extender and an alkali metal carboxylate or alkaline earth metal carboxylate, the magnesium pyrophosphate being prepared immediately before the polymerization by combining an aqueous solution of alkali metal pyrophosphate with at least the stoichiometrically necessary amount of a magnesium salt.

Abstract: A polystyrene resin in foam form having a basis weight of less than about 20 g/100 in.sup.2 and a density of about 6 lbs./ft.sup.3 or less, the foam precursor of which is either a polystyrene having a melt index of about 8 or more or a polystyrene in combination with a minor proportion of any other material which will result in a melt index of about 8 or more. A method of forming such a polystyrene resin foam structure includes combining the resin in molten form under pressure with the blowing agent of at least approximately 100% carbon dioxide and extruding the mixture through a die into an atmosphere of reduced pressure to form the foam structure.

Abstract: A process for the production of plastic foams, preferably rigid foams containing urethane groups or urethane and isocyanurate groups, by reactinga) an organic and/or modified organic polyisocyanate withb) at least one relatively high-molecular-weight compound containing at least two reactive hydrogen atoms, and, if desired,c) a low-molecular-weight chain extender and/or cross-linking agent,in the presence ofd) a blowing agent,e) a catalyst and, if desired,f) assistants and/or additives,in which the blowing agent (d) used is at least one vinylfluoroalkane of the formula CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH--C.sub.n F.sub.

Abstract: A syntactic foam product having a desired configuration is set forth. The product comprises a plurality of rigid gas filled bubbles arranged in the desired configuration. The bubbles are defined by respective individual and discrete substantially spherical shells preferably formed of a biodegradable shell material. The shells abut one another. They define open spaces where they are not abutting. Attaching material attaches the abutting shells to one another. The open spaces between the shells are not filled by the attaching material. The attaching material is environmentally degradable. It releases the bubbles under ambient conditions after a selected time interval. The shells are in contact with their surroundings and can relatively rapidly biodegrade.

Abstract: Blowing agents for use in foamable plastics such as polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and other non-polyisocyanate-based foams, comprising a mixture of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane in combination with one or more hydrocarbons or partially halogenated alkanes. In one aspect of the invention the hydrocarbon adjuvant is selected from the group consisting of propane, butane, isobutane, n-pentane, i-pentane, neopentane, n-hexane, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane and 2,2-dimethylbutane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making extruded, closed-cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters. The process comprises: a) heating an alkenyl aromatic polymer material having greater than 50 percent by weight alkenyl aromatic monomeric units to form a melt polymer material; b) incorporating into the melt polymer material at an elevated pressure a blowing agent comprising at least 50 percent by weight 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a) based upon the total weight of the blowing agent to form a foamable gel; c) cooling the foamable gel to an optimum foaming temperature prior to extrusion through a die; and d) extruding the foamable gel through a die to form the foam structure. Further disclosed is a foamable gel capable of forming an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters.

Abstract: Low density styrene polymer foams having highly desirable physical properties are prepared employing as a blowing agent a mixture of carbon dioxide, lower alcohol and water. The cell size can be effectively controlled by controlling the amount of water in the blowing agent mixture, i.e., small cell or large cell foams can be prepared. A process for preparing such foams is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a styrenic polymer foam blown with solely carbon dioxide and a process for making that styrenic polymer foam. Foam sheet made by this process is especially useful for thermoforming purposes.

Abstract: A process for the production of particulate expandable styrene polymers which have a very low benzene concentration is described using perketal and/or monoperoxycarbonate polymerization initiators. The styrene polymers produced according to the invention can be foamed to give foamed particles and molded, if desired.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a polymeric foam which comprises vaporising a fluorine-containing ether in the presence of a foamable polymer or the precursors of a foamable polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to expandable styrene polymers containinga) a styrene polymer,b) and at least one carbon dioxide absorber, mixed or copolymerized with the above, in an amount of from 0.01 to 50% by weight, based on the sum of a) and b), andc) a blowing agent or blowing agent mixture in an amount of from 0.5 to 12% by weight,where the blowing agent or blowing agent mixture comprisesc.sub.1) from 10 to 100% by weight of carbon dioxide andc.sub.2) from 0 to 90% by weight of at least one further blowing agent.The invention furthermore relates to the styrene polymers containing a carbon dioxide absorber, to the styrene polymer foams obtainable from the expandable styrene polymers, and to an improved process for impregnating styrene polymers with carbon dioxide-containing blowing agents or blowing agent mixtures.

Abstract: The improved adhesion is provided by incorporating into an adhesive and/or sealant plastic material an effective amount of cyclodextrin or a complex of cyclodextrin and blowing agent. Where the complex of cyclodextrin and blowing agent is employed, an expandable mixture is formed.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of a low density porous crosslinked polymeric material by polymerizing a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion, curing time of the monomers in the emulsion can be reduced without adversely affecting polymer properties or substantially affecting the emulsion by carrying out the curing in multiple-stages. The emulsion is first pre-cured at a temperature less than about 65.degree. C. until the emulsion reaches a Rheometrics dynamic shear modulus of at least about 500 and subsequently curing at a temperature above about 70.degree. C.

Abstract: Impurities such as oxygen and moisture can be removed from sulfur hexafluoride by contacting the impure gas with the reaction product of sulfur hexafluoride and a lithium-substituted macroreticulate polymer.

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: Compositions for producing foamed products which include filler and/or pigment additives and blowing agents which enhance the strength of weld lines which are produced when the compositions are molded. The products produced from the compositions have weld line that demonstrate superior strengths as compared to similar foamed products which do not utilized the particular blowing agents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the continuous preparation of high internal phase emulsions which are suitable for subsequent polymerization into polymeric foam materials that, upon dewatering, act as absorbents for aqueous body fluids. The process involves continuous introduction of a certain type of monomer-containing oil phase and a certain type of electrolyte-containing water phase into a dynamic mixing zone at relatively low water to oil phase ratios. Flow rates are then steadily adjusted to increase the water to oil ratio of the streams fed to the dynamic mixing zone while subjecting the dynamic mixing zone contents to shear agitation which is sufficient to thereby form a high internal phase emulsion that, upon subsequent polymerization, provides a foam having an average cell size of from about 5 to 100 microns. The formation of such a stable high internal phase emulsion is completed by feeding the contents of the dynamic mixing zone to and through a static mixing zone.

Abstract: Novel polymer polyols based on halogenated aromatic monomers such as tribromostyrene give polyurethane foams with improved flame retardant properties. For example, replacing conventional SAN polymer polyols with tribromostyrene (TBS)/acrylonitrile polymer polyols allows the preparation of polyurethane foams passing British Standard 5852, Part 2, Ignition Source 5 Combustion Test and having better ASTM E-906 values without the need for solid fillers such as melamine or aluminum trihydrate, although these and other flame retardant additives may be optionally employed as well. Elimination of these fillers also provides other improvements such as superior strength and better compression set properties. The TBS dispersions may also be used in conjunction with melamine to eliminate the need for liquid fire retardant additives.

Abstract: The present invention is a styrenic polymer foam blown with solely carbon dioxide and a process for making that styrenic polymer foam. Foam sheet made by this process is especially useful for thermoforming purposes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a molded article of a foamed thermoplastic resin and articles produced thereby. A molten mass of an expandable thermoplastic resin is accumulated in an accumulator while it is prevented from foaming. A quantity of the accumulated foamable melt is extruded through a die orifice having a shape adapted to reflect the shape of the desire finished product. The extruded foamable melt commences foaming as it comes in contact with the atmosphere. As the extruded thermoplastic resin foams, it is pulled vertically downward from the die orifice by gravity. The downward-hanging, foamed, thermoplastic material is captured between the halves of a vertically-oriented mold before the foaming expansion of the foamable melt has been completed. The foamed thermoplastic material is compressed by the vertically-oriented mold into the desired shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making extruded, closed-cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters. The process comprises: a) heating an alkenyl aromatic polymer material having greater than 50 percent by weight alkenyl aromatic monomeric units to form a melt polymer material: b) incorporating into the melt polymer material at an elevated pressure a blowing agent comprising at least 50 percent by weight 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a) based upon the total weight of the blowing agent to form a foamable gel: c) cooling the foamable gel to an optimum foaming temperature prior to extrusion through a die: and d) extruding the foamable gel through a die to form the foam structure. Further disclosed is a foamable gel capable of forming an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters.

Abstract: Low density styrene polymer foams having highly desirable physical properties are prepared employing as a blowing agent a mixture of carbon dioxide, lower alcohol and water. The cell size can be effectively controlled by controlling the amount of water in the blowing agent mixture, i.e., small cell or large cell foams can be prepared. A process for preparing such foams is also disclosed.

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 relates to expandable styrene polymers containinga) a styrene polymer,b) and at least one carbon dioxide absorber, mixed or copolymerized with the above, in an amount of from 0.01 to 50% by weight, based on the sum of a) and b), andc) a blowing agent or blowing agent mixture in an amount of from 0.5 to 12% by weight,where the blowing agent or blowing agent mixture comprisesc.sub.1) from 10 to 100% by weight of carbon dioxide andc.sub.2) from 0 to 90% by weight of at least one further blowing agent.The invention furthermore relates to the styrene polymers containing a carbon dioxide absorber, to the styrene polymer foams obtainable from the expandable styrene polymers, and to an improved process for impregnating styrene polymers with carbon dioxide-containing blowing agents or blowing agent mixtures.

Abstract: This invention is a method to speed up and prevent inconsistent rates of reaction in the reduction of volume of polystyrene foam products by the application of a liquid and vapors of a terpine or isoprenoid compound where a heat activation within 90 days of the use provides maximum reactivity. In one embodiment the process is localized by the addition of heaters in the processing vessels or tanks to insure active agent form of d-limonene reduction agent.

Abstract: A process for removing an oxidizable organic compound from an oxidizing gas stream which includes contacting the gas stream with a bed of carbonaceous adsorbent particles, wherein the adsorbent particles comprise porous pyrolyzed particles of a polysulfonated cross-linked synthetic copolymer, to adsorb the oxidizable organic compound on the adsorbent particles.

Abstract: Highly crosslinked styrenic copolymers are treated to enhance their surface area by reacting residual vinyl groups in the copolymers in the presence of water or other non-swelling liquid and a Lewis-acid catalyst at elevated temperature

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: A process for the production of a stable curable water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion containing monomers as the continuous phase is provided by adding an initiator subsequent to formation of a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion. The process forms uniform stable water-in-oil high internal phase emulsions in a continuous mixing process. These curable water-in-oil high internal phase emulsions are useful for the preparation of low density porous crosslinked polymeric materials.

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 process for producing an aminophosphoric acid-type chelate resin, which comprises aminating halomethyl groups of a polymer having the halomethyl groups on aromatic nuclei, followed by phosphomethylation, wherein the amination reaction is conducted by means of an amine mixture comprising a monoamine and a polyamine, wherein the proportion of the monoamine to the total amount of both amines is from 20 to 70% by mole.

Abstract: Substantially homogeneous aqueous suspensions of low density microspheres are presented as contrast media for imaging the gastrointestinal tract and other body cavities using computed tomography. In one embodiment, the low density microspheres are gas-filled. With computed tomography, the contrast media serve to change the relative density of certain areas within the gastrointestinal tract and other body cavities, and improve the overall diagnostic efficacy of this imaging method.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of polyfluorocarbon blowing agents in the preparation of polymer foams; particularly the use of 1,1-difluoroethane in the preparation of polystyrene foams for food packaging and food serving.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to using a blend of sorbitan esters as a surfactant to produce a stable water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion in the preparation of a low density porous crosslinked polymeric material. This process produces low density, high capacity, porous, crosslinked, polymeric materials with improved absorption capacity and foam properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the continuous preparation of high internal phase emulsions which are suitable for subsequent polymerization into polymeric foam materials that, upon dewatering, act as absorbents for aqueous body fluids. The process involves continuous introduction of a certain type of monomer-containing oil phase and a certain type of electrolyte-containing water phase into a dynamic mixing zone at relatively low water to oil phase ratios. Flow rates are then steadily adjusted to increase the water to oil ratio of the streams fed to the dynamic mixing zone while subjecting the dynamic mixing zone contents to shear agitation which is sufficient to thereby form a high internal phase emulsion that, upon subsequent polymerization, provides a foam having an average cell size of from about 5 to 100 microns. The formation of such a stable high internal phase emulsion is completed by feeding the contents of the dynamic mixing zone to and through a static mixing zone.

Abstract: A method for drying foams, and in particular inorganic and organic aerogels, so that intricate internal pore/cell structure is maintained utilizing a select group of fluorocarbon solvents. Replacement of precursor diluents with a fluorocarbon solvent, followed by direct sublimation, is employed to dry the foam in place of critical point drying.

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 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: Expandable styrene polymer of controlled particle size is prepared by polymerizing styrene and optionally polymerizable comonomers in a stirred aqueous suspension in the presence of monomer-soluble free radical initiator and dispersant to the extent that at least 70%, based on the total monomer, of the monomers are polymerized in the aqueous suspension initially to a conversion of at least 70% by weight; and then adding the remaining monomer, initiator and optional copolymerizable monomer and additives to the polymerization medium over one to three hours.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of a low density porous crosslinked polymeric material by polymerizing a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion, curing time of the monomers in the emulsion can be reduced without adversely affecting polymer properties or substantially affecting the emulsion by carrying out the curing in multiple-stages. The emulsion is first pre-cured at a temperature less than about 65.degree. C. until the emulsion reaches a Rheometrics dymanic shear modulus of at least about 500 and subsequently curing at a temperature above about 70.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of making a foamed polymer article by injection molding, using a foaming agent that evolves minimal water and does not form byproducts which could pit or chalk the polymer surface. The foaming agent contains sodium borohydride in an amount from 0.01 weight percent of the polymer to be foamed, and a polyhydric alcohol such as six-carbon mannitor as an activator to react with the sodium borohydride and produce hydrogen gas. Boric acid can be included with the alcohol. the sodium borohydride is kept separated from the other reactive components such as by encapsulation until gas production is desired when the polymer is heated and molded.

Abstract: Foam sheets of high compressive strength are produced by extruding a mixture of a styrene polymer and from 5 to 16% by weight of a blowing agent mixture containinga) from 3 to 70% by weight of an alcohol or ketone having a boiling point of from 56.degree. to 100.degree. C.,b) from 5 to 50% by weight of carbon dioxide andc) from 0 to 90% by weight of a saturated C.sub.3 - to C.sub.5 -hydrocarbon and/or of a hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon or fluorinated hydrocarbon boiling at from -30.degree. to +30.degree. C.

Abstract: Flame retardant vinylaromatic thermoplastic resin compositions are provided comprising 100 parts vinylaromatic polymer, 0.1 to 2.0 parts of at least one brominated aliphatic compound, 0.5 to 3.0 parts of at least one other and different brominated organic compound having a higher volatilization temperature and greater heat stability than said brominated aliphatic compound and from 0.05 to 5 parts of at least one melt flow promoter.

Abstract: A method to prepare uniform populations of macroscopic beads containing pores of at least 0.1 microns diameter is described. The beads consist essentially of a copolymer of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer and a crosslinking polyethylenically unsaturated monomer, said resulting copolymer optionally being derivatized with functional groups, linking moieties, and/or affinity ligands. The macroporous beads are obtained by utilizing, as porogen in the polymerization reaction, porous inorganic particles which have been preabsorbed with a blowing agent. The blowing agent is not activated until after the polymerization takes place; when the blowing agent is activated, the organic polymer which isolates the inorganic porogen particles from each other in the bead is destroyed. Upon subsequent dissolution of the inorganic porogen, a network of pores throughout the organic copolymer-formed particle is formed. The resulting beads are useful in a variety of chromatographic, analytical and biomedical techniques.

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.