Abstract: An aerogel including a polymeric reaction product of (a) a first monomer including an aromatic compound having at least two unsaturated functional groups, and (b) a second monomer represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 and including at least two groups independently chosen from (meth)acrylate groups and NR?R? (where R? and R? are the same or different and are (meth)acryloyl groups) is provided. Each substituent is as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curable composition comprising a linear hydrolyzable silyl group-containing polymer and a branched hydrolyzable silyl group-containing polymer in the weight ratio of 1:9 to 9:1 and having a specific weight of less than 1.15.

Abstract: Organic infrared attenuation agents have been developed to improve the thermal insulation properties of polymeric foams such as polystyrene low density foams. The organic infrared attenuation agents can include polyols such as sorbitol, maltitol, and poly(ethylene glycol), polysaccharides such as starch or cellulose, and infrared attenuation polyesters such as polybutylene terephthalate. The organic attenuation agents include aromatic compounds or carbon oxygen bonds that are effective in absorbing infrared radiation at the desired wavelengths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer composition containing i) styrene polymer(s) and ii) phosphorylated polyether(s) with from 0.5 to 40% by weight phosphorus content, the main chain of which is formed exclusively from carbon atoms and from oxygen atoms, and which has at least three terminal and/or pendant OH groups, where these have been substituted with where ˜ indicates the bond to the polymer skeleton of the polyether; Y is O or S; t is 0 or 1; R1 and R2, being identical or different, are H, C1-C18-alkyl, C2-C18-alkenyl, C2-C18-alkynyl, C3-C10-cycloalkyl, C6-C10-aryl, furyl, C6-C10-aryl-C1-C10-alkyl, OR3, SR3, NR3R4, COR3, COOR3 or CONR3R4, or R1 and R2 form, together with the phosphorus atom P, a 4-8-membered ring system; R3 and R4, being identical or different, are H, C1-C16-alkyl, C2-C16-alkenyl, C3C16-alkynyl, C3-C10-cycloalkyl, C6-C10-aryl or C6-C10-aryl-C1-C10-alkyl, and/or polycarbonates containing phosphorus-containing group(s) of the general formula (I).

Abstract: Crosslinked polymeric organic porous particles have a crosslinked organic solid phase and discrete pores dispersed within the crosslinked organic solid phase, which discrete pores are isolated from each other. The crosslinked organic porous particles are prepared using one or more water-in-oil emulsions containing a polyfunctional reactive compound and a reagent that causes crosslinking, and can be incorporated into or applied to various articles for many purposes. If marker materials are incorporated into the crosslinked organic porous particles, these marker materials can be detected using appropriate instruments.

Abstract: The product is produced from a settable aqueous calcium sulphate dispersion which has a water to solids ratio of less than 0.4 to 1, and has distributed therethrough lightweight hollow bodies having water-impervious surfaces (such as expanded polystyrene beads). The dispersion contains a hydratable cement (such as calcium sulpho aluminate) which is capable of hydration in the presence of the calcium sulphate dispersion. The hydratable cement is such that it reacts with excess water in the dispersion thereby enhancing the water resistance of the resulting product.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a polymer using Hansen solubility parameters are described. Also described is a polymer having certain properties, including those related to the Hansen solubility parameters, having utility in the separation of monatin from a monatin-containing mixture.

Abstract: A styrene-modified polypropylene type resin particle of the present invention includes: a polypropylene type resin and a polystyrene type resin, wherein the polystyrene type resin is included at 30 parts by weight or more but less than 600 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polypropylene type resin, and polystyrene type resin particles having a longitudinal diameter of 5 ?m or less are dispersed in the polypropylene type resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for removing residual surface material from porous polymerized particle surfaces. The particles thus produced have an increase in surface porosity and uniformity in a variety of applications. Desirably, substantially the entire surface communicates with the interior of the particles. Also provided are the particles produced by such methods, further modifications of such particles, and methods for using the particles in a variety of applications. All described methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture are within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: An article based on extruded polystyrene, in the form of a slab, panel or flexible sheet to make heat insulations is made with re-granulated polystyrene from industrial working or production scrap, or from primary production plants.

Abstract: Interpolymer resin particles that include from about 20% to about 60% by weight based on the weight of the particles of uncross-linked polyolefin resin particles having a VICAT softening temperature greater than 85° C. and from about 40% to about 80% by weight based on the weight of the interpolymer particles of polymerized vinyl aromatic monomer composition particles that have been polymerized in the uncross-linked polyolefin resin particles to form an interpenetrating network of polyolefin resin particles and polystyrene particles. The interpolymer resin particles have a gel content ranging from about 0 to about 1.5% by weight based on the weight of the interpolymer resin particles, a VICAT softening temperature ranging from about 90° C. to about 115° C., and a melt index value ranging from about 0.2 to about 35.0 g/10 minutes (Condition G).

Abstract: Prepare a polymeric foam from a foamable polymer composition containing a thermoplastic polymer composition and a blowing agent wherein 75 percent or more by weight of all non-halogenated polymers in the foamable polymer composition is a styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer composition having a polymerized acrylonitrile content distribution with a positive skew in a copolymerized AN content distribution and a positive percent difference between the mean and the median copolymerized AN content distribution.

Abstract: A blowing agent blend for making thermoplastic polymer foams includes 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 includes methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce dimensionally stable foams that have improved resistance to flame spread. A process for the preparation of such foams is also provided.

Abstract: Nanocomposite compositions based on expandable thermoplastic polymers which comprise: a) a polymeric matrix produced by the polymerization of a base comprising one or more polymerizable monomers; b) 1-10% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an expanding agent englobed in the polymeric matrix; c) 0.004-15% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an athermanous filler comprising nano-scaled graphene plates with a thickness (orthogonal to the graphene sheet) not greater than 150 nm, an average dimension (length, width, or diameter) not greater than 10 micrometers and a surface area>50 m2/g.

Abstract: Prepare an extruded polymeric foam using a thermoplastic polymer composition of styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer having a copolymerized acrylonitrile comonomer content of 20 weight-percent or less, a mean acrylonitrile comonomer content that exceeds its median acrylonitrile comonomer content and an average copolymerized acrylonitrile comonomer distribution having a breadth at half-height that is greater than 2.5 weight-percent as measured at half peak height of a copolymerized acrylonitrile comonomer distribution curve for the styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer.

Abstract: A selective high intensity ultrasonic foaming technique is described to fabricate porous polymers for biomedical applications. Process variables, including ultrasound power, scanning speed, and gas concentration have an affect on pore size. Pore size can be controlled with the scanning speed of the ultrasound insonation and interconnected porous structures could be obtained using a partially saturated polymers. A gas concentration range of 3-5% by weight creates interconnected open-celled porous structures. The selective high intensity ultrasonic foaming method can be used on biocompatible polymers so as not to introduce any organic solvents. The method has use in cell related biomedical applications such as studying cell growth behaviors by providing a porous environment with varying topological features.

Abstract: A method of making a foamable polystyrene composition includes combining a styrenic monomer and a co-monomer containing a polar functional group to obtain a mixture, subjecting the mixture to polymerization to obtain a styrenic co-polymer, and combining the styrenic co-polymer with a blowing agent in a foaming process to obtain foamed articles.

Abstract: Certain brominated polymers compounds are effective FR additives for combustible organic polymers. These FR additives include: i) a copolymer having styrene and 2,3-dibromopropylmaleimide repeating units; ii) a brominated polyester having aliphatically bound bromine; iii) an allyl ether of a ring-brominated novolac resin; iv) a 3-bromo-2-hydroxypropyl ether of a novolac resin; v) a 2,3-dibromopropyl ether of a cresol novolac resin; and vi) a brominated ROMP polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: A method for flame-retarding styrenic resins is disclosed wherein the method comprises incorporating in compositions an effective amount of at least one flame retardant compound comprising both aliphatic and aromatic bromine.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymers (EPS) comprising, in each case based on the styrene polymer, a) from 0.05 to 5% by weight of an organic bromine compound whose bromine content is at least 50% by weight, as flame retardant, b) from 0.05 to 2% by weight of a flame retardant synergist, c) from 0.1 to 5% by weight of a metal salt as acid scavenger, and process for their production.

Abstract: An article comprising a polyelectrolyte complex comprising an interpenetrating network of at least one predominantly positively charged polyelectrolyte polymer and at least one predominantly negatively charged polyelectrolyte polymer, the polyelectrolyte complex further comprising a plurality of closed-shell pores, the plurality of pores having at least one average transverse dimension between about 100 nanometer and about 1000 micrometers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mesoporous polymeric separation material comprising one or more functional groups bound to metal ions from Cu, Zn, Ag, or Pd. Methods of producing the material, as well as methods for its preparation, and use of said material in separation of pesticides from food or feed products is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising: (i) 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (R1234ze, CF3CH?CHF) (ii) a second component comprising R-1243zf, (3,3,3 trifluoropropene) or a difluoropropene (R-1252) selected from R-1252zf, R-1252yf, R-1252ye R-1252ze and R-1252zc, and mixtures thereof; and (iii) a third component selected from R32 (difluoromethane), R744 (CO2), R41 (fluoromethane), R1270 (propene), R290 (propane), R161 (fluoroethane) and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: There is provided herein a styrenic polymer composition comprising a styrenic polymer and a flame retardant effective amount of a mixture comprising (a) at least one brominated flame retardant; and, (b) at least one solid phosphate ester that has a melting temperature of at least 80 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: Expanded styrene polymers which have a density of less than 25 g/l and a thermal conductivity ?, determined at 10° C. in accordance with DIN 52612, of less than 32 mW/m*K, and also a process for producing them.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is disclosed which is foamed and has low density by virtue of the use of glass microspheres.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for substantially diminishing or essentially eliminating a visible knitline in an article derived from a resinous composition comprising at least one thermoplastic resin and at least one special visual effect additive, which comprises the steps of (i) including in the composition an effective amount of at least one chemical foaming agent, and (ii) forming the article in a process that produces a knitline, wherein the article exhibits a substantially diminished or essentially no visible knitline compared to a similar article prepared without chemical foaming agent. Also disclosed are resinous compositions related thereto. Articles made from the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Low density, buoyant materials, in particular hydrophobic aerogels, may be used to absorb hydrophobic liquids. The materials are adapted to float on aqueous solutions and can absorb oils or other hydrophobic liquids from the surface of the solution without absorbing appreciable amounts of the aqueous solution. Methods for creating and using the materials are disclosed.

Abstract: Surfaces of thermoplastic articles are rendered microporous by contacting the surface with a composition that includes a solvent. The article has a birefringence of 0.0001 or greater and the composition has a solvent strength configured to swell but not dissolve the polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and pressure vessels for solid-state microcellular processing of thermoplastic rolls and sheets. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for making a gas impregnated interleaved roll, which method comprises: providing a pressure vessel having an internal pressure chamber and a rotatable shaft horizontally positioned within the pressure chamber; placing an interleaved roll about the rotatable shaft and within the pressure chamber, wherein the interleaved roll is made from a thermoplastic material sheet interleaved together with a gas-channeling material sheet; pressurizing the pressure chamber to a selected pressure; rotating the rotatable shaft having the interleaved roll thereabouts (thereby rotating the interleaved roll) while under pressure for a selected period of time; and depressurizing the internal chamber to yield the gas impregnated interleaved roll.

Abstract: Novel compounds useful as chelators, intermediates for their production and methods for removing trivalent and tetravalent metal ions from solution are presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extruded foam based on at least one polymer selected from polysulfone or polyether sulfone, polystyrene, or a copolymer produced from styrene, where the extruded foam comprises at least one mineral filler with a particle sizes ?10 ?m, and comprises at least one nucleating agent based on a wax or on an oligomer containing epoxy groups.

Abstract: A pipette tip or tube containing chromatographic media contained and held in place in said tube by using low melting point porous polymer particles. Such pipette tips or tubes can be used for sample preparation, filtration and synthesis of small molecules and biomolecules.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed comprising a hydrophobic monomer having the structure: CH2?CR4C(O)NHC(R1R1)(C(R1R1))nC(O)XR3 wherein n is an integer of 0 or 1; R1 is independently selected from at least one of: a hydrogen atom, alkyls aryls, and alkylaryls, wherein the alkyls, aryls, and alkylaryls have a total of 10 carbon atoms or less; R3 is a hydrophobic group selected from at least one of: alkyls, aryls, alkylaryls and ethers, wherein the alkyls, aryls, alkylaryls and ethers have a total number of carbon atoms ranging from 4 to 30; R4 H or CH3; X is O or NH. In some embodiments the hydrophobic monomer is derived from an amine or an alcohol (HXR3) that has a hydrophilicity index of 25 or less. A polymerizable composition comprising the hydrophobic monomer is disclosed, which optionally may comprise a cross-linking monomer and/or a non-cross-linking monomer.

Abstract: Process for improving the insulating capacity of expanded vinyl aromatic which includes: 1) preparing beads of expandable vinyl aromatic polymers containing 1-10% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer, of an expanding agent englobed in the polymeric matrix, and 0.01-25% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer, of an athermanous additive comprising carbon black homogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix; 2) treating the surface of the beads, before deposition of the coating, with a liquid lubricating agent; and 3) thermally treating the beads with hot air at a temperature ranging from 30 to 60° C.

Abstract: [Object] The object of the present invention is to provide a molded foam product in which a flame retardant having no accumulating property in a living body and satisfactory handling property during the production process is dissolved in a plasticizer so that the flame retardant can be uniformly impregnated into resin particles, and which shows excellent heat-fusibility between the particles during molding without resulting in uneven cell density upon expanding, and has excellent flame retardancy and heat resistance.

Abstract: The invention pertains to azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFC-1225yc) and any one of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf) or the Z-isomer of 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene (HFC-1225yeZ), and uses thereof, including use in refrigerant compositions, refrigeration systems, blowing agent compositions, and aerosol propellants.

Abstract: Disclosed are new compositions consisting of polyphosphonates and specific additive compositions that exhibit superior resistance to degradation due to exposure to air, high temperature and air, moisture or combinations thereof. Also disclosed are polymer mixtures or blends comprising these polyphosphonates/additive compositions and commodity and engineering plastics and articles produced therefrom. Further disclosed are articles of manufacture produced from these materials, such as fibers, films, coated substrates, moldings, foams, fiber-reinforced articles, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method comprising contacting a first styrenic polymer composition comprising residual styrene monomer with a molecular sieve, and recovering a second styrenic polymer composition comprising a reduced amount of residual styrene monomer. A composition comprising a styrenic polymer having a residual styrene monomer amount of less than 100 ppm produced by contacting a styrenic polymer composition having a residual styrene monomer amount of equal to or greater than 100 ppm with a molecular sieve, and recovering the styrenic polymer having a residual styrene monomer amount of less than 100 ppm. A method comprising providing a styrenic polymer composition having a residual styrene monomer amount of equal to or greater than 100 ppm, contacting the styrenic polymer composition with a molecular sieve, adding a nucleating agent, a foaming agent, and a coloring agent to the styrenic polymer composition, and forming an expanded styrenic polymer composition having a residual styrene monomer amount of less than 100 ppm.

Abstract: The invention a method of forming complex shape of styrenic polymer foams in which a pressing surface is created, for example, by planing/machining a layer of an as formed extruded styrenic polymer plank, contacting said plank with a contoured die face and pressing the foam to form the complex shape.

Abstract: The invention is a flame retardant for styrene foams. The flame retardant contains both aromatic bromine and an olefin. The olefin is an internal olefin. Desirable flame retardants are selected from: formula I: wherein R1 is C1-C6 and optionally containing a heteroatom or olefin; R2 is C1-C6 and optionally containing a heteroatom or olefin; and R3-R12 is H, C1-C6 (optionally containing a heteroatom), or halogen; and further wherein the compound of formula I is present in a concentration of at least 50 percent of a trans isomer; formula II: wherein R1 is Halogen, C1-C6 and optionally containing a heteroatom or olefin; R2 is Halogen, C1-C6 and optionally containing a heteroatom or olefin; and R3-R7 is H, C1-C6 (optionally containing a heteroatom), or halogen; and formula III: wherein R1 is Halogen, C1-C6 and optionally containing a heteroatom or olefin; R2 is Halogen, H, C1-C6 and optionally containing a heteroatom or olefin; and R3-R6 is H, halogen.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to manufacture one or more shaped foam article. Specifically, the present invention is a method of extruding a thermoplastic polymer with a blowing agent to form a foam polymer plank having a density gradient. Preferably, shaped articles are prepared from the surface of the foam plank having the lowest density. The article is shaped by a mold comprising one or a plurality of cavities wherein the periphery of each cavity is defined by a trimming rib, said mold concurrently shapes the foam article and trims the resulting shaped foam article from the surrounding continuous unshaped foam plank. Preferably, the foam has a vertical compressive balance (Rv) equal to or greater than 0.4 and more preferably, the foam has a cell gas pressure less than 1 atmosphere and/or an open cell content of equal to or less than 20 percent.

Abstract: A plant growth support medium is described to enhance soil characteristics and provide where required, improved water, or nutrient contents. La addition the medium can be inoculated with microorganisms to aid soil characteristics and provide interactions within micron-scale environment between plant roots, water, nutrients and where applicable, bacteria and root exudates. This micro-environment provides direct delivery of active ingredients to the plant roots. The medium comprises a polymeric material having a primary pore size of greater than 30 micron. The walls of the pores are elastic, enabling the pore to swell in size to retain water, solutes or other biologically useful components and allow root penetration through them. Sulphonation of the walls renders the walls more hydrophilic so attracting water into the pores and also increasing the wall elasticity. Capillaries can be provided to interconnect pores and allow root penetration into the medium.

Abstract: Extruded polymer foams are prepared using brominated fatty acids, an ester, amide or ester-amide of a brominated fatty acid, a glyceride of one or more brominated fatty acids, or a polymerized brominated fatty acid as an FR additive. The brominated FR additives unexpectedly are stable at the extrusion temperatures, and provide excellent flame retardancy to the foams.

Abstract: Expanded polystyrene, foamed articles and methods of making the same are described herein. The expanded polystyrene generally includes polystyrene selected from expandable polystyrene and extrusion polystyrene, the polystyrene exhibiting a molecular weight of from about 130,000 Daltons to about 220,000 Daltons; a melt flow index of from about 20 to about 30 and a density of from about 0.1 lb/ft3 to about 10 lb/ft3; and wherein the expanded polystyrene exhibits a density of from about 0.1 lb/ft3 to about 10 lb/ft3.

Abstract: A post-crosslinked adsorbent comprises: monomer units of (a) at least 55 wt % at least one polyvinylaromatic monomer and (b) up to 45 wt % at least one monovinylaromatic monomer; and 0.5-2.5 mmol/g pendent vinyl groups; wherein the dry adsorbent has BET specific surface area in the range of about 650-1000 m2/g, BET average pore diameter 7.2-10 nm, BET porosity 1.29-2.45 mL/g, BJH adsorption micropore volume was less than 20% of total BJH adsorption pore volume, and HK micropore volume was less than 21% of total BJH adsorption pore volume. The invention is also directed to a preparation method for the polymeric adsorbent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a porous resin particle having a functional group X, the method including: dissolving a radical polymerizable aromatic monovinyl monomer and a radical polymerizable aromatic divinyl monomer together with a polymerization initiator in an organic solvent to prepare a monomer solution, dispersing the monomer solution in water in the presence of a dispersion stabilizer to obtain a suspension polymerization reaction mixture, and performing a suspension copolymerization while adding, when 0 to 80% of the entire polymerization time of the suspension copolymerization is passed, a mercapto compound represented by the formula (I): HS—R—X??(I) in which R represents an alkylene group having a carbon number of 2 to 12, and the functional group X represents a functional group selected from a hydroxy group and a primary amino group, to the suspension polymerization reaction mixture; and the porous resin particle obtained by the method.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to manufacture shaped foam composite articles comprising a foam core and one or more skin and shaped foam composite articles made therefrom. Specifically, cold formed shaped foam articles having an upper and lower surface having a skin applied to one or both of the surfaces. Preferably the foam comprises a styrenic polymer foam and the skins may independently be mono-layered or multi-layered. The shaped foam article and the skin may be made from the same or different materials. In the case where there are more than one skin, the skins may comprise the same or different materials.

Abstract: Process for the production of nanoporous polymer foams, comprising the stages a) loading of a single-phase, thermoplastic polymer melt with a gas under a pressure and at a temperature at which the gas is in the supercritical state, b) heating of the laden polymer melt to a temperature which lies in the range from 40° C. under to 40° C. over the glass transition temperature of the unladen polymer melt determinable by means of DSC according to DIN-ISO 11357-2 at a heating rate of 20 K/min, c) depressurization of the polymer melt loaded in stage a) and heated in stage b) with a depressurization rate in the range from 15,000 to 200,000 MPa/sec, and the nanoporous polymer foams with a cell count in the range from 1,000 to 100,000 cells/mm and a density in the range from 10 to 500 kg/m3 obtainable according to the process.

Abstract: A composition that is configured for use in creating a film. The composition includes a vinyl acetate containing polymer, such as a vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) copolymer, fire retardant additives and at least one additive that is a pigment, a surfactant, a dispersant, a wetting agent, a defoamer, a coupling agent, a solvent, a UV absorber, a fire retardant, or a light stabilizer.