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: 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) 0.01-20% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a) of carbon black distributed in the polymeric matrix having an average diameter ranging from 30 to 2000 nm, a surface area ranging from 5 to 40 m2/g, a sulfur content ranging from 0.1 to 2000 ppm and an ash content ranging from 0.001 to 1%.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a styrenic polymer composition comprising a flame-retardant effective amount of a compound of formula (I): (C6H(5-n)Yn)CH2X, wherein X is Cl or Br; Y is Cl or Br; and n is an integer between 1 and 5; or a mixture of two or more of said compounds of formula (I) or their homologues and derivatives or other Br-FRs.

Abstract: Disclosed are dried porous crumbs of a hydrogenated block copolymer which is obtained by hydrogenating a block copolymer comprising (a) at least one polymer block composed mainly of aromatic vinyl monomer units and (b) at least one polymer block composed mainly of conjugated diene monomer units, and which has a molecular weight of 70,000 or more. The dried porous crumbs have a water content of 1% by weight or less and having the capability of absorbing an oil in an amount of 1.0 or more, in terms of the ratio of the weight of an oil, which is absorbed by the dried porous crumbs when the dried porous crumbs are immersed in the oil at 25° C. under atmospheric pressure for 1 minute, to the weight of the dried porous crumbs. Also disclosed is a method for producing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a foam product (1), whereby a body (2) of expanded closed-cell foam, in particular expanded polystyrene particle foam, is subjected to a non-melting heat treatment at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the plastic used to form the foam, in particular polystyrene.

Abstract: A monolithic, carbonaceous foam suitable for use in respiratory protection is produced by creating an emulsion of a monomer such as vinylidene chloride and/or styrene, a cross-linking agent and a surfactant, curing the emulsion to yield a polymeric foam, sulfonating the foam, and carbonizing the sulfonated foam to yield the monolithic, carbonaceous foam.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of preparing a fused aerogel-polymer composite in which aerogel and an organic polymer is mixed in a dry state to adsorb polymer particles on the surface of the aerogel and are then subjected to thermal treatment, thus forming a polymer coating on the aerogel. The fused aerogel-polymer composite can be used for thermal insulation in a variety of applications. The fused aerogel-polymer composite exhibits high thermal insulation properties and superior physical strength and processability while still maintaining the properties of an aerogel that does not have a polymer coated on its surface.

Abstract: A novel polymodal asymmetric elastomeric block copolymer and a pressure sensitive adhesive, tape and adhesive backed article made therefrom, such as a polymer foam article having a substantially smooth surface prepared by melt-mixing a polymer composition and a plurality of microspheres, at least one of which is an expandable polymeric microsphere, under process conditions, including temperature and shear rate, selected to form an expandable extrudable composition; and extruding the composition through a die.

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: Copolymers, especially multi-block copolymer containing therein two or more segments or blocks differing in chemical or physical properties, are prepared by polymerizing propylene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, or other C4-8?-olefin and one or more copolymerizable comonomers, especially ethylene in the presence of a composition comprising the admixture or reaction product resulting from combining: (A) a first metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst, (B) a second metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst capable of preparing polymers differing in chemical or physical properties from the polymer prepared by catalyst (A) under equivalent polymerization conditions, and (C) a chain shuttling agent.

Abstract: Expandable monovinylidene aromatic polymer, e.g., polystyrene, beads are prepared by a suspension polymerization process comprising polymerizing monovinylidene aromatic monomer, e.g., styrene, under suspension polymerization conditions with, based on the weight of the monomer: A. 0.05 to 0.60 percent by weight (wt %) of tricalcium phosphate, B. Greater than 0 to 0.1 wt % of calcium carbonate, C. 0.0002 to 0.005 wt % of co-stabilizer, D. 0.0001 to 0.01 wt % of a low molecular weight polyethylene wax, E. 0.4 to 0.9 wt % of a flame retardant, and F. 2 to 10 wt % of a C3-6 hydrocarbon blowing agent. The expandable beads are converted to foam having a low thermal conductivity by contacting the separated and dried expandable beads at foaming conditions with, based on the weight of the monomer: A. 0.05 to 0.65 wt % of a glyceride comprising units of fatty acids with a C8-26 chain length, and B. 0.005 to 0.30 wt % of a metal stearate.

Abstract: Prepare a polymer foam having cells defined by cell walls having an average thickness and carbon nano-tubes having a length that exceeds the average thickness of the cell walls by incorporating the carbon nano-tubes into expandable polymer beads in a suspension polymerization process and then expanding the expandable polymer beads into a polymer foam.

Abstract: Process for preparing polymer, e.g. polystyrene, particles that may not or may contain a water-retaining agent and that require only a one-step process for incorporating the water-retaining agent. The polymer particles may be prepared via an extrusion process, or a bulk polymerization process wherein a water-retaining agent is blended into the polymer melt. Water is incorporated into the particles by soaking them in hot or cold water or treating the particles with steam for a predetermined time depending on the desired water content in the particles. The water-retaining agent may be starch, zeolite, silica dioxide or poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide) ranging from 0.1% to 10.0% by weight. The particles can be expanded via appropriate means to form pre-expanded or expanded particles in a conventional manner.

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: A composition including an effective amount of trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene component combined with an effective amount of an alcohol selected from the group of methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, isobutanol, 2-ethyl hexanol and any combination thereof, where the composition has azeotropic properties.

Abstract: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, nanographite, and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134) are provided. Preferably, the foamable polymer material is an alkenyl aromatic polymer material. The foam is free of other conventional blowing agents typically utilized in preparing a foamed product. The nanographite is not chemically or surface modified and is preferably compounded in a polyethylene methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA), which is used both as a medium and a carrier for the nanographite. The nanographite may be compounded in the polymer in an amount up to 60% loading. In addition, the nanographite acts as a nucleating agent, R-value enhancer, infrared attenuating agent, lubricant, UV absorber, and process aid. The inventive foam composition produces extruded foams that have R-values that are equal to or better than conventional extruded foams produced with 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (HCFC-142b).

Abstract: Porous bodies which are soluble or dispersible in non-aqueous media comprising a three dimensional open-cell lattice containing (a) 10 to 70% by weight of a polymeric material which is soluble in water immiscible non-aqueous media and (b) 30 to 90% by weight of a surfactant, said porous bodies having an intrusion volume as measured by mercury porosimetry of at least 3 ml/g.

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 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: A nanoporous material is provided. The pores of the nanoporous material are formed between nanoparticles that have a polymeric surface layer. The nanoporous material is produced by (a) suspending the nanoparticles in a medium material, wherein the nanoparticles are phase separated from the medium material, (b) heating the suspension to a temperature above the melting point of the nanoparticle surface layer, and (c) cooling the suspension. Alternatively, the nanoporous material may be produced by dissolving nanoparticles having a polymeric surface layer in a solvent, and then adding a medium material that causes the nanoparticles to phase separate from the solution.

Abstract: Foamed plastic structures that include one or more foamed plastic bodies containing a polymer matrix that includes one or more polymers formed by polymerizing a monomer mixture that includes vinyl aromatic monomers and divinyl aromatic monomers. The structures formed can include, as non-limiting examples, pallets, containers, stackable containers, produce boxes, seafood shipping containers, geofoam blocks, and insulated concrete forms.

Abstract: Process for processing expandable polymer particles e.g. polystyrene (EPS) that eliminates the maturing step between the pre-expander and molding steps. The expandable particles are first over pressurized with gas, e.g. air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and mixtures thereof, at a pressure between 500 and 8000 kPa and a temperature between ?20° C. and 130° C. for 15 to 7200 minutes to create a gas pressure in the particles. Using the gas pressure in the particles, pre-expanding the particles with a heating medium, e.g. steam at a temperature between 100° C. and 120° C. and at a pressure ranging above atmospheric pressure and below the gas pressure in said particles, i.e. 50 to 200 kPa for 5 to 120 seconds. The pre-expanded particles are air dried in the pre-expander while holding a positive pressure in the particles; are optionally transferred to a pressure silo; and then are transferred to a molding machine where the gas pressure in the particles is used to form a foam article.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, low-density, open-cell, thermoplastic, absorbent foam formed from a foam polymer formula including a balanced amount of a plasticizing agent and a surfactant in combination with a base resin. Thermoplastic elastomers can be added to the foam polymer formula to improve softness, flexibility, elasticity, and resiliency of the resulting foam. The surfactant may be either a single surfactant or a multi-surfactant system. The foam possesses a number of qualities, such as softness and strength, which render the foam particularly suitable for use in a variety of personal care products, medical products, and the like.

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 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: Expandable or pre-expanded thermoplastic particles, e.g. polystyrene particles, used to form foam containers e.g. cups, bowls, are coated with a coating composition comprising a liquid part consisting of a) liquid polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 200 to 800; and a solid part comprising components selected from the group consisting of b) polyolefin wax, e.g. polyethylene wax, c) a metal salt of higher fatty acids, e.g. zinc stearate or calcium stearate; d) polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 900 to 10,000; and e) a fatty bisamide or fatty amide, e.g. ethylene bis-stearamide; and combinations of b) through e). The coating composition prevents or resists leakage of liquids and foods with oil and/or fatty components and improves the rim strength and ATF properties of foam containers.

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: Disclosed are novel compositions for the preparation of void-containing articles comprising a polymer matrix and a voiding agent The voiding agent comprises at least one first polymer and at least one second polymer, which are selected on the basis of physical properties such as glass transition temperature, tensile modulus, melting point, surface tension, and melt viscosity. Shaped articles such as sheet, film, bottles, tubes, labels, and sleeves may prepared from these compositions. Also disclosed are polyester shrink films prepared using a voiding agent comprising a novel blend of cellulosic and olefinic polymers. The resulting shrink films have better opacity, lower density, reduced shrink force, and improved printability as compared with most standard voiding agents. The films are useful for sleeve label and other shrink film applications and their lower density allows them to be readily separated from soft drink bottles, food containers and the like during recycling operations.

Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising a polymeric matrix and absorbent particles wherein at least a part of the absorbent particles are microcolloid particles. The microcolloid particles are water absorbent particles preferably having a rounded or spherical shape. The addition of microcolloids to an adhesive provides an improved moisture handling properties compared to state of the art technology as well as the rheological properties of the adhesive matrix may be less affected than by addition of traditional hydrocolloids.

Abstract: A crosslinked polymeric bead comprising a polymer having from 0.5 mole percent to 2 mole percent crosslinker. The bead has a diameter no greater than 200 ?m, no void spaces having a diameter greater than 5 ?m, and less than 5 weight percent of organic extractables.

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: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, containing asphalt as an infrared attuation and process additives for improving the insulating properties and for reducing the manufacturing cost of the foam products.

Abstract: The present invention provides, as a resin bead which can be developed for use completely different from the use of conventional polystyrene resin beads, a porous resin bead made from a styrene-hydroxystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymer, which contain a hydroxyl group in an amount of 10–1000 ?mol/g, and further, a production method of a porous resin bead made from a styrene-hydroxystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymer, which contains suspension copolymerization of a styrene monomer, an acyloxystyrene monomer and a divinylbenzene monomer using an organic solvent (containing at least hydrocarbon and alcohol) and water, followed by hydrolysis reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension polymerization process for the preparation of styrene-containing (co)polymers, wherein the process comprises the steps of continuously or semi-continuously dosing an initiator to the reaction mixture, said initiator having a specified half-life at the temperature of the reaction mixture to which it is dosed. The invention further relates to styrene based (co)polymer obtainable by said process, and to the use of said styrene (co)polymer in a shaping process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing porous spherical particles, which includes suspension polymerization of a multifunctional monomer having two or more vinyl groups and a vinyl monomer having one vinyl group in an aqueous medium in the presence of a porogen and a distribution stabilizer, wherein the distribution stabilizer is polyvinyl alcohol having a saponification degree of 75 to 85 mol %. According to the method of the present invention, generation of particle agglomerates and large particles can be suppressed and porous spherical particles having a desired average particle size and a narrow particle size distribution can be conveniently produced.

Abstract: An organic porous material having a continuous pore structure, which comprises interconnected macropores and mesopores with a radius of 0.01 to 100 ?m in the walls of the macropores, having a total pore volume of 1 to 50 ml/g and having pore distribution curve characteristics wherein the value obtained by dividing the half-width of the pore distribution curve at the main peak by the radius at the main peak is 0.5 or less. The organic porous material is useful as an adsorbent having high physical strength and excelling in adsorption amount and adsorption speed, an ion exchanger excelling in durability against swelling and shrinkage, and a filler for chromatography exhibiting high separation capability.

Abstract: A vinyl monomer of the structure R—B—Ar(—CH?CH2)n (1) in which Ar is an aromatic ring (arylene group); n is an integer >0, in particular one or two; B is a bridge structure; R is a (C2-30)-hydrocarbon group carrying two or more protected or unprotected hydroxy groups. The monomer is characterized in that B comprises a chain of atoms linking R to Ar and consisting of 1–10 atoms selected from carbons and the heteroatoms ether oxygen, thioether sulphur or amino nitrogen, with the proviso that the terminal atom in B which is attached to R is one of the heteroatoms. A method for producing a polymer support matrix in which the vinylmonomer is one of the monomeric units. The support matrix as such is also claimed. The preferred method for producing the support matrices involves suspension polymerisation, the preferred form of matrix is beads.

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: Multi-functional microcapsules comprising a core material including a major portion of one or more functional additives and a shell material including at least one functional additive, a method of manufacturing such multifunctional microcapsules and polymeric products incorporating such multifunctional microcapsules are provided.

Abstract: It has been discovered that improved polystyrene products may be obtained by polymerizing styrene in the presence of p-t-butyl styrene (TBS) and optionally at least one di-olefinic substituted aromatic compound, such as isopro-penyl styrene, sec-butenyl styrene, m-isobutenyl styrene, p-diisopropenyl benzene, diallyl benzene, and/or diallyl phthalate. The resulting copolymers have a higher glass transition temperature (Tg), a higher molecular weight distribution (MWD), a higher Mz, and a lower melt flow index (MFI) as compared with a polymerized product made by an otherwise identical method except that TBS and/or the di-olefinic substituted aromatic compound are not used. These copoly-mers are also more highly branched as compared with a polymerized product made by an otherwise identical method in the absence of TBS and/or a di-olefinic substituted aromatic compound.

Abstract: It has been discovered that improved polystyrene products may be obtained by polymerizing styrene in the presence of at least one multifunctional initiator, at least one chain transfer agent, and at least one cross-linking agent. The presence of the multifunctional initiator tends to cause more branched structures in the polystyrene. A mathematical model that helps optimize the levels of these additives for given molecular weights, melt flow indices (MFIs) and zero shear viscosities (?0) has also been discovered.

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: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, containing asphalt as an infrared attuation and process additives for improving the insulating properties and for reducing the manufacturing cost of the foam products.

Abstract: An organic porous material having a continuous pore structure, which comprises interconnected macropores and mesopores with a radius of 0.01 to 100 ?m in the walls of the macropores, having a total pore volume of 1 to 50 ml/g and having pore distribution curve characteristics wherein the value obtained by dividing the half-width of the pore distribution curve at the main peak by the radius at the main peak is 0.5 or less. The organic porous material is useful as an adsorbent having high physical strength and excelling in adsorption amount and adsorption speed, an ion exchanger excelling in durability against swelling and shrinkage, and a filler for chromatography exhibiting high separation capability.

Abstract: Polymeric products which after special cross-linking become macroreticular and acquire the ability to absorb organic solvents and petroleum products which are released in the water, in the amount of 40-80 gram of oily matter/gram of polymer. The macroreticular polymers include polystyrene, trimeric copolymer with styrene, ethylene, butadiene (SEBS) elastomeric SBR with styrene 10%, 20% and 40% fully hydrogenated to saturation, which after special cross-linking in chlorinated solvents with a cross-linking agent forms a thick cross-linked mass which is cut and deodorized. These products are used in a polypropylene net and are swept on the surface of water basins, harbors or the surface of sea to collect the oily matter and the petroleum by endomolecular absorption and by external surface adherence, and the loaded net is washed with petroleum to remove all absorbed oily matter as useful fuel. The net with the absorbing polymers is then ready for reuse.

Abstract: It has been discovered that improved polystyrene products may be obtained by polymerizing styrene in the presence of at least one multifunctional initiator, at least one chain transfer agent, and at least one cross-linking agent. The presence of the multifunctional initiator tends to cause more branched structures in the polystyrene. A mathematical model that helps optimize the levels of these additives for given molecular weights, melt flow indices (MFIs) and zero shear viscosities (&eegr;0) has also been discovered.

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.