Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, dimensionally stable, closed cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam. The foam comprises an alkenyl aromatic polymer material greater than 50 percent by weight of alkenyl aromatic monomeric units. The foam has a density of about 16 to about 64 kilograms per cubic meter. The foam has a thickness in cross section of 15 millimeters or more. The foam has a blowing agent composition comprising a primary blowing agent of about 70 to about 95 weight percent 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and a secondary blowing agent comprising about 30 to about 5 weight percent based upon the total moles of the blowing agent composition. The secondary blowing agent being selected from the group consisting essentially of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, and water. Further disclosed is a process for making the foam.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a foam product involving the steps of (A) forming a foamable mixture of (1) a polymer comprising about 10% to about 90% monomers of at least one of meta-substituted styrene and para-substituted styrene and 0% to about 90% monomers of styrene, and (2) a blowing agent containing a major amount of carbon dioxide under a pressure sufficient to prevent prefoaming of the mixture and (B) foaming the mixture into a region of reduced pressure to form the foam product.

Abstract: A microbicidal organic polymer material for use in manufacturing of contact lenses, condoms, surgical sutures and gloves, medical examination devices and similar uses is provided by polymers to which is tightly adsorbed a disinfectant organic dye. Many polymers such as polyvinyl chloride and acrylic polymers show exceptional avidity for a number of microbicides, of acidic, basic, aromatic and/or hydrophobic character such as methylene blue and gentian violet. Consequently, devices constructed of these polymeric materials release no free dye to an aqueous solution. The material is generally a natural or synthetic polymer that releases no particles or fines into wounds or body orifices. Presence of adsorbed disinfectant organic dye allows the polymer to inhibit microbial growth in a number of different situations. Several common microbes are killed by being incubated in the present of an embodiment of the invention which contains a combination of methylene blue and gentian violet.

Abstract: The melt of polyvinyl aromatic polymers comprising from 10 to 45 weight % of star branched polymer prepared using a combination of thermal and tetra functional peroxide initiation has an improved melt strength permitting better foam formation for extrusion foam blown with conventional blowing agents and inert gases including CO.sub.2.

Abstract: It is desirable to reduce the amount of volatile organic blowing agent in expandable polystyrene. This may be accomplished by partially polymerizing a mass of styrene and incorporating therein water together with an emulsifier. The partially polymerized mass is then polymerized to a high conversion using conventional suspension techniques. The polymer beads containing water which acts as a blowing agent are recovered.

Abstract: A polymer foam sheet having a thickness of at least 0.3 cm, an average cell size of at least 0.1 mm, and at least one pyrethrum compound dispersed in the polymer matrix, wherein the total amount of pyrethrum compounds in the sheet, based on the weight of the foam solids therein, is from 1 part per million (ppm) to 20,000 ppm.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of expandable polymer particles containing a polymer of a vinylarene monomer and a foaming agent, which process comprises:1) polymerizing, by suspension polymerization, 100 parts by weight of a vinylarene monomer, in the presence of 1 to 20 parts by weight of a radical initiator having a half life of 1 hour in benzene at 70 to 110.degree. C., until at least 60% of the vinylarene monomer is polymerized;400 to 4,900 parts by weight additional vinylarene monomer as well as 0.05 to 1% wt, based on the amount of vinylarene monomer added in step 2, of a radical initiator having a half life of 1 hour in benzene at 70 to 110.degree. C. and polymerizing to completion, in which process the blowing agent can be added before, during or after the polymerization process.

Abstract: High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), porous polymeric materials made therefrom, and methods for making and using the same. Specific embodiments of the invention include water-in-oil high internal phase emulsions having at least 70 volume percent of an internal aqueous phase and less than 30 volume percent of an external oil phase wherein the oil phase comprises a vinyl polymerizable monomer and a surfactant effective to stabilize the emulsion. The subject surfactants are oil soluble and preferably include an oxyalkylene component.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of high surface area, low-swelling macroporous polymeric adsorbents is disclosed. The use of organic sulfonic acids to provide postcrosslinking of macroporous copolymers eliminates the need for traditional organic swelling solvents and Lewis-acid catalysts used to provide conventional macronetted polymers. In particular, methanesulfonic acid provides macroporous polymeric adsorbents having high surface area and porosity, low levels of residual vinyl groups, and free of residual contaminants from conventional Lewis-acid/Friedel-Crafts reactions.

Abstract: A silicate-based blowing agent and method for producing foamed polymers provides a blowing agent containing at least one metal silicate, boric acid or a salt thereof, a peroxy compound, a reaction initiator and, optionally, a desiccant. The blowing agent is prepared by mixing the ingredients at least one time and allowing the mixture to rest without mixing until a dry dilatent gel is formed. The blowing agent is useful for the production of foamed polymers, especially for the production of foamed rubber.

Abstract: A blowing agent for foaming polystyrene consisting essentially of at least one low permeability compound (preferably a volatile organic compound (VOC)), at least one low volatility compound (preferably a non-VOC) and, optionally, at least one high volatility compound (preferably a non-VOC). In one embodiment, the low permeability volatile organic compound is selected from the group consisting of isopentane and isobutane, the low volatility non-volatile organic compound is acetone and the high volatility non-volatile organic compound is carbon dioxide. The blowing agent of the present invention may be used to foam a polystyrene foam structure. The blowing agent is directed to achieving low fugitive VOC emissions.

Abstract: The present invention is a freeze-dried polystyrene-polysiloxane foam having a density of 0.05 to 0.8 grams per cubic centimeter and a void volume of 20 to 99 percent. These foams exhibit good compressibility and rebound and are useful in insulation and sound-deadening applications.

Abstract: In a process for preparing expandable styrene polymers containing graphite particles, styrene is polymerized in aqueous suspension in the presence of graphite particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microporous membrane and a process for producing thereof, especially a microporous membrane which can be used for microfiltration, has excellent resistance to chemicals, and a process for producing thereof.The present invention provides a microporous membrane having excellent resistance to chemicals, and a microporous membrane which facilitates waste disposal, and a process for producing thereof.The microporous membrane has a bubble point value measured by the use of ethanol (by the test method of JIS K3832) falling in the range of from 10 kPa to 1000 kPa and comprises a polymer prepared by ring opening polymerization of a compound represented by chemical formula (I) or a polymer which is a ring opening polymer or ring opening copolymer represented by chemical formula (II). An example of the ring opening ring polymer or ring opening copolymer is a norbornene resin.

Abstract: The invention includes a process comprising steps of (1) forming a admixture of (a) a vinyl aromatic polymer and (b) a coupling amount of at least one poly(sulfonyl azide); (2) introducing the vinyl aromatic polymer or admixture into a melt processing device; (3) melting the vinyl aromatic polymer or admixture, and thereafter (4) exposing the admixture to a temperature, hereinafter, melt process temperature, sufficient to result in coupling of the vinyl aromatic polymer. The invention also includes a process of increasing the molecular weight of a vinyl aromatic polymer by heating an admixture of at least one vinyl aromatic polymer and a coupling amount of at least one poly(sulfonyl azide).

Abstract: Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/ethylene-styrene interpolymer (ESI) blends are described that are useful in preparing foams which exhibit improved compression set resistance, dimensional stability and rebound resilience at similar foam densities than known foam systems, e.g. EVA. The cross-linked foams of this invention are particularly useful in fabricating footwear and gasket products.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric foam structures suitable for absorbing and storing body fluids such as urine, menses and the like. These liquid storage structures are high suction collapsible polymeric foam materials. The collapsed foams, upon contact with aqueous fluids, can absorb and expand these fluids even when opposed by significant hydrostatic pressures. These absorbent polymeric foams comprise interconnected open-cells. In one aspect, the foams can absorb at least about 25 g/g against a hydrostatic head pressure of 50 cm. In another aspect, the foams of the present invention will have a vertical hang sorption height at 90% of at least about 60 cm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous crosslinked polymeric microbeads having cavities joined by interconnecting pores wherein at least some of the cavities at the interior of each microbead communicate with the surface of the microbead. The present invention also relates to a process for producing a porous, crosslinked polymeric microbead as well as the product of this process. This process involves combining an oil phase with an aqueous discontinuous phase to form an emulsion, adding the emulsion to an aqueous suspension medium to form an oil-in-water suspension of dispersed emulsion droplets, and polymerizing the emulsion droplets to form microbeads. At least 10% of the microbeads produced in accordance with the present invention are substantially spherical or substantially ellipsoidal or a combination of the two.

Abstract: Monovinyl aromatic polymer compositions with high melt strength, good flow and good heat properties which are suitable for fast injection molding, blow molding and thermoforming applications, comprising non-linear monovinyl aromatic polymers and copolymers having comb-type structures with 3 branches, star type structures with 4 to 6 branches, and/or dendritic structures in which the branches themselves have attached branched units. These compositions possess inherent melt strength and can be blow molded or thermoformed without sagging or molded into articles in shorter cycle times using less material than linear monovinyl aromatic polymers and copolymers with the same flow and heat distortion temperatures.

Abstract: A method of producing a substantially open-cell, expanded polystyrene sheet, comprising the steps of:forming a mixture comprising from 30 to 95% of polystyrene incorporating an aliphatic hydrocarbon with 4-6 carbon atoms, from 0 to 65% of polystyrene, and from 0.2 to 10% of a nucleating agent,mixing the mixture obtained and melting it by heating inside an extruder,bringing the mixture to a temperature of 130-150.degree. C. in the final portion of the extruder,extruding the mixture in a lower-pressure atmosphere to produce an expanded sheet, which has a low density and a high capacity to absorb aqueous liquids, particularly if a surfactant is added to the starting mixture, and which, when coupled with two films of plastics material gives rise to a laminate suitable for the production, by thermoforming, of trays for foods which may release aqueous liquids.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a foam product including the steps of (A) forming a foamable mixture of (1) an alkenyl aromatic polymer and (2) a blowing agent under a pressure sufficient to prevent prefoaming of the mixture and (B) foaming the mixture into a region of reduced pressure to form the foam product, wherein the difference between the glass transition temperature of the foamable mixture and the foaming temperature is less than about 62.degree. C.

Abstract: A resin foamed product is formed of a resin, and closed cells dispersed in the resin. The resin with the closed cells therein has a shape-recoverable property at an ambient temperature, a closed cell rate higher than 30% and a compression permanent set lower than 10%. Thus, when contraction takes place in the resin with the closed cells, after a predetermined time has passed without providing an outer stimulation to the resin, a shape of the resin foamed product formed of the resin with the closed cells is automatically recovered at least in one direction without equally expanding in all directions.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing a polyolefin resin foam, comprising the step of extruding to a low-pressure zone a melt of polyolefin resin containing a volatile blowing agent uniformly dispersed therein, the process being characterized in that the volatile blowing agent is a mixture of 5 to 95% by weight of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and 95 to 5% by weight of a low-boiling aliphatic hydrocarbon having a boiling point of 15.degree. C. or lower. According to the invention, there is obtainable a foam of polyolefin resin which is excellent in heat insulating property, dimensional stability and the like and which can retain them for a long term, using a blowing agent which is free of ozone-depleting risks, unlikely to adversely affect global warming, nonflammable and highly compatible with raw materials for foams.

Abstract: Insecticides, and particularly termiticides, may be dissolved in monomers polymerized to form foamable polymers, such as polystyrene. The resulting monomer and insecticide may then be polymerized in a conventional manner and either impregnated with a blowing agent or expanded using an extrusion process to produce polymeric foam having insecticidal properties. The polymer may also contain a flame retardant. Such polymers and the foam made therefrom may be used in the construction industry, particularly where insect infestation is a concern.

Abstract: An extrusion profile is formed of foamed plastic, which includes a filler of wood flour or wood fiber. The foamed plastic may include polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride or polystyrene in combination with the wood flour filler.

Abstract: Process for making polyisocyanate based xerogels by trimerisation of an organic polyisocyanate in an organic solvent in the presence of a (co)polymer containing an isocyanate-reactive group, gellation and drying of the obtained sol-gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to sound-absorbent foam moldings which have a sound-absorption level according to DIN 52215 of from 30 to 95% in the frequency range from 0.5 to 4 kHz. The foam is an incompletely fused molded polyolefin or polystyrene foam with from 10 to 40% interstitial volume.

Abstract: The invention includes a process comprising steps of (1) forming a admixture of (a) a vinyl aromatic polymer and (b) a coupling amount of at least one poly(sulfonyl azide); (2) introducing the vinyl aromatic polymer or admixture into a melt processing device; (3) melting the vinyl aromatic polymer or admixture, and thereafter (4) exposing the admixture to a temperature, hereinafter, melt process temperature, sufficient to result in coupling of the vinyl aromatic polymer. The invention also includes a process of increasing the molecular weight of a vinyl aromatic polymer by heating an admixture of at least one vinyl aromatic polymer and a coupling amount of at least one poly(sulfonyl azide).

Abstract: In a process for producing preferably graphite-containing, expandable styrene polymers by polymerization of styrene in aqueous suspension in the presence of two peroxides which decompose at different temperatures, the peroxide which decomposes at the higher temperature is di-tert-amyl peroxide.

Abstract: Porous organic articles having no surface functionality may be treated by remote plasma discharge to thereby introduce functionality to the surface of the article. The functionality is introduced throughout the article's surface, including the exterior surface and the surfaces of the pores. Little or no degradation of the porous organic article occurs as a result of the functionalization. Amino, hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxyl groups may be introduced to the article. In this way, an essentially inert hydrophobic porous article, made from, for example, polyethylene, can have its surface modified so that the surface becomes hydrophilic. The remote plasma discharge process causes essentially no change in the bulk properties of the organic article. The remote plasma discharge process is preferably conducted so that no photons, and particularly no ultraviolet radiation, is transmitted from the plasma glow to the porous article.

Abstract: A urine absorber superior in smell extinguishing and urine absorption properties and in absorption stability is to be prepared. To this end, a polymer of styrene and/or conjugate diene and acrylonitrile, containing a predetermined amount of a sulfonide and/or its salts, is used as the urine absorber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing thermoplastic foam, including:(a) melting a thermoplastic polymer to produce a polymer melt;(b) introducing a carbon dioxide blowing agent into the polymer melt;(c) adding to the polymer melt one or more additives selected from the group consisting of(1) polysiloxane, and(2) mineral oil; and(d) extruding and foaming the melted polymer melt, blowing agent, and one or more additives to produce thermoplastic foam.The resultant thermoplastic foam can be thermoformed into various foamed articles, such as foam packaging trays. The quality of foams made from a carbon dioxide blowing agent, and particularly 100% carbon dioxide, has been found to be substantially improved by adding one or more of the foregoing additives, i.e., polysiloxane, mineral oil and, optionally, polyolefin to the polymer melt during the extrusion and foaming process.

Abstract: High internal phase emulsions having an internal aqueous phase of greater than 70 percent by volume and an external oil phase comprising a vinyl polymerizable monomer contain a surfactant capable of chemically binding to the polymerizable monomer. Polymeric foams having a high internal phase emulsion stabilizing surfactant chemically bound to the polymeric material and a liquid capacity of from about 70 to 99 percent of its saturated volume can be prepared from such emulsions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compressed, evacuated, open-cell polymer foam, the foam having an open cell content of about 70 percent or more prior to compression, the foam having a thickness of about 40 to about 90 percent of the initial thickness of the foam prior to compression, the foam having an absolute cell gas pressure of about 10 torr or less in its open cells, the foam having a density of about 16 to about 250 kilograms per cubic meter. Further disclosed is an evacuated insulation panel employing the foam.

Abstract: A foamed rubber composition for pneumatic tires comprises at least one diene polymer as a rubber ingredient and includes closed cells in a matrix rubber, each of these cells being covered with a coat layer made from a given amount of a resin or resin composite having a JIS-C hardness of not less than 75, a particle size of 10-200 .mu.m and a reacted conjugate diene unit content of not less than 10% by weight. In the production of the foamed rubber composition, the melting point or glass transition point of the resin or resin composite is restricted to at least 5.degree. C. lower than the vulcanizing temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laminated foam sheet for car interior comprising a foamed core layer of modified polyphenylene ether resin(I) and film layer(s) of thermoplastic resin laminated thereon, characterized in that the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin of said film layer is lower than that of the modified polyphenylene ether resin(I) of said foamed core layer and makes it possible to obtain molded bodies in a simple manner using the laminated foam sheet. Since the molded bodies obtained by the present invention have the superior characters of heat resistance, rigidity, light weight and good heat insulation, they can be appropriately used as the car interiors such as the material for the ceiling and door trims.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of enhancing open cell formation in making extruded alkenyl aromatic polymer foams of about 30 percent or more open cell content. Open cell formation is enhanced by incorporating into the foam an ethylene copolymer having a Vicat softening point of about 85.degree. C. or less. The ethylene copolymer is incorporated at from about 0.1 to about 7 percent based upon the weight of the alkenyl aromatic polymer material comprising the foam.

Abstract: A process for obtaining an aerogel from a polymeric material that is in the form a sol-gel in an organic solvent, by exchanging the organic solvent for a fluid having a critical temperature below a temperature of polymer decomposition, and supercritically drying the fluid/sol-gel. The process is carried out in a semi-continuous mode that includes the steps of contacting the initial sol-gel with a stream of the fluid at different pressures and temperatures through n+1 pressure vessels A.sub.0 to A.sub.n that each have an inlet for fluid VI.sub.i and an outlet for effluent VO.sub.i wherein the n+1 pressure vessels are operated dependently on each other through a joint fluid supply system and a joint effluent treatment system so that the respective product in each of the pressure vessels A.sub.0 to A.sub.n is submitted to the fluid in successive steps with pressure and temperature following a curve that never cuts the vaporization curve in the pressure-temperature diagram of FIG. 1.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method for producing ultramicrocellular polymer foams at low pressures. A polymer is saturated with a blowing agent at low temperatures and pressures within a short time period, due to retrograde vitrification. The blowing agent may be in the form of a gas or a volatile liquid. Polymer-blowing agent combinations are selected to provide a processing temperature/pressure in the area below the positive slope portion of the retrograde vitrification profile of the glass transition temperature of the polymer versus pressure. The polymer thus saturated has an exceptionally high blowing agent content, and is then foamed to produce materials with small cells and high cell density.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laminated foam sheet for car interior comprising a foamed core layer of modified polyphenylene ether resin(I) and film layer(s) of thermoplastic resin laminated thereon, characterized in that the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin of said film layer is lower than that of the modified polyphenylene ether resin(I) of said foamed core layer and makes it possible to obtain molded bodies in a simple manner using the laminated foam sheet. Since the molded bodies obtained by the present invention have the superior characters of heat resistance, rigidity, light weight and good heat insulation, they can be appropriately used as the car interiors such as the materials for the ceiling and door trims.

Abstract: An extrusion profile is formed of foamed plastic, which includes a filler of wood flour or wood fiber. The foamed plastic may include polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride or polystyrene in combination with the wood flour filler.

Abstract: A blowing agent for foaming polystyrene consisting essentially of at least one low permeability volatile organic compound, at least one low volatility non-volatile organic compound and, optionally, at least one high volatility non-volatile organic compound. In one embodiment, the low permeability volatile organic compound is selected from the group consisting of isopentane and isobutane, the low volatility non-volatile organic compound is acetone and the high volatility non-volatile organic compound is carbon dioxide. The blowing agent of the present invention may be used to foam a polystyrene foam structure. The blowing agent is directed to achieving low fugitive volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions.

Abstract: An improved closed cell polymer foam and foaming agent involving the use of a hydrogen-containing halocarbon blowing agent (e.g., HCFC-22) in combination with an effective amount of a hydrogen bond forming blocking agent (e.g., organic ether, ester or ketone). The presence of the blocking agent is shown to significantly reduce the escape of blowing agent from and entry of air into the foam resulting in low thermal conductivity over a longer period of time and improved thermal insulation value. A closed cell thermoplastic foam such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, among others, is disclosed produced by means of an environmentally friendly nonflammable blowing agent substantially free of halogen substituents other than fluorine and comprising HFC-134 (1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane).

Abstract: In a process for producing expandable styrene polymers containing graphite particles by polymerization of styrene in aqueous suspension in the presence of two peroxides which decompose at different temperatures, the peroxide which decomposes at lower temperature is multifunctional and on decomposition forms two or more linked polymer chains.

Abstract: A rubber-modified styrenic resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a rubber-modified styrenic resin (A) having 10 to 40% by weight of the content of a soft component particle and a mean particle diameter of the said particle of 0.1 to 1.2 .mu.m, and 1 to 30 parts by weight of fine particles having a mean particle diameter of 0.1 to 5 .mu.m and not having a glass transition temperature between -130 to 90.degree. C.A rubber-modified styrenic resin composition having superior plane impact strength, rigidity and gloss, and its molded article are provided.

Abstract: In the process and an extrusion device for producing a foamed polymer, a polymer is melted and a foaming agent is added to the polymer melt. After the polymer melt and the foaming agent have been mixed, a throttle generates a pressure drop for nucleation for gas bubbles or cells. The mixture is then shaped, foamed and cooled. In order to produce high-grade foamed polymer with a microcellular or sub-microcellular structure continuously without any shaping limitations, the throttle controlling the flow rate has a passage control so that the flow rate can be adjusted independently of the pressure drop.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, open-cell microcellular alkenyl aromatic polymer foam useful in insulating applications. The foam has an open cell content of about 70 percent or more. The foam has an average cell size of about 70 micrometers or less. The foam is particularly useful in evacuated or vacuum insulation panels. Further disclosed is a process for making the open-cell foam. Further disclosed is a fabricated foam article.

Abstract: Polymers are made from 1,3,7-octatriene or like conjugated polyenes and a crosslinking agent having at least 2 activated double bonds such as ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. These polymers can be used to make absorbent foams that are useful in absorbent articles such as diapers, as well as latexes that are useful as binders and adhesives.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, open-cell microcellular alkenyl aromatic polymer foam useful in insulating applications. The foam has an open cell content of about 70 percent or more. The foam has an average cell size of about 70 micrometers or less. The foam is particularly useful in evacuated or vacuum insulation panels. Further disclosed is a process for making the open-cell foam. Further disclosed is a fabricated foam article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous crosslinked polymeric microbeads having cavities joined by interconnecting pores wherein at least some of the cavities at the interior of each microbead communicate with the surface of the microbead. The present invention also relates to a process for producing a porous, crosslinked polymeric microbead as well as the product of this process. This process involves combining an oil phase with an aqueous discontinuous phase to form an emulsion, adding the emulsion to an aqueous suspension medium to form an oil-in-water suspension of dispersed emulsion droplets, and polymerizing the emulsion droplets to form microbeads. At least 10% of the microbeads produced in accordance with the present invention are substantially spherical or substantially ellipsoidal or a combination of the two.