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: There is an evacuated insulation panel comprising a corestock of an open-cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam and a deformable receptacle. The foam has an open cell content of about 70 percent or more. The foam is situated within the receptacle. The receptacle is hermetically sealed. The open-cells of the foam and the interior of the receptacle are evacuated to an absolute pressure of about 10 torr or less. The foam has indentations therein which extend in two dimensions across a surface of the foam. The receptacle substantially conforms to the shape of the foam, including the indentations within. The panel has one or more surfaces which are substantially non-wrinkled. Further disclosed is a method for making the panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evacuated and unevacuated microcellular foam containing an infrared attenuating agent (IAA). The evacuated foam has an average cell size of about 70 micrometers or less. The unevacuated foam has an average cell size of 1.0 micrometers or less. The IAA provide a greater proportional reduction in foam thermal conductivity in these foams than in foams of larger cell size. Further disclosed is a method of using the foams.

Abstract: Foam materials based on copolymers of styrene with from 2 to 50 mol % of 1,1-diphenylethene have a high heat distortion resistance.

Abstract: Highly uniform microporous foam suitable for medical applications and methods for preparing these foams. The highly uniform microporous foams are of controlled pore size that may be utilized in a variety of applications. In preparing the foams, an organic crystalline polymer is melted and combined with a selected solid crystalline fugitive compound to produce a substantially isotropic solution. The solution is cooled under controlled conditions, which foster solid--solid phase separation by the simultaneous crystallization of the fugitive compound and the polymer, to produce a foam precursor containing the solidified fugitive compound dispersed through a matrix of the organic polymer. Crystals of fugitive compound are then removed by solvent extraction and/or sublimation, or like process to produce microcellular foams having a continuous, open-cell structure.

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: 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: Disclosed is a process for preparing a low density closed-cell polymer foam comprising a plurality of closed-cells having an average cell size of at least about 0.08 millimeter characterized in that the process comprises the steps of heat plastifying an expandable or foamable monovinyl aromatic polymer formulation comprising a non-linear monovinyl aromatic polymer composition and an environmentally acceptable blowing agent; and reducing the pressure on the mixture to form a foam. A stable monovinyl aromatic polymer foam prepared from a non-linear styrenic polymer composition and environmentally acceptable blowing agents is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a bitumen composition comprising blowing a mixture with an oxygen-containing gas which mixture comprises a bitumen having a penetration of less than 300 and a thermoplastic rubber which is present in an amount of less than 5% w, based on total mixture; bitumen compositions obtainable by such process; and the use of such bitumen compositions in asphalt mixtures for road applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, open-cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam useful in insulating applications. The foam has an open cell content of 30 percent or more. The foam further has in minor dimension and cross section of greater than 6.5 millimeters. The foams has a high heat distortion temperature, and is particularly useful in roofing applications. Further disclosed is a process for making the open-cell foam.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described wherein a styrenic polymer is rendered flame retardant by incorporation therein before, during or after its formation, a combination of (a) at least one organic phosphorus additive that (i) is halogen-free, and (ii) is composed solely of carbon, hydrogen, and phosphorus, and optionally and preferably one or more of the elements nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur; and (b) elemental sulfur; in proportions such that (i) the sulfur content from b) is less than 2 percent by weight of the weight of the styrenic polymer plus the weight of a) and b), and (ii) the styrenic polymer plus ingredients a) and b) can provide test specimens which exhibit an LOI of at least 24 if tested in accordance with ASTM Standard Test Method D 2863-87.

Abstract: A foamed rubber composition for tire comprises a particular amount of particles having specified hardness and average particle size and containing aluminum-bonded hydroxy group and/or silicon-bonded hydroxy group at its surface, and a particular amount of at least one specified silane coupling agent, and develops excellent performances on ice. Further, pneumatic tires contain the foamed rubber composition as a tread rubber.

Abstract: Foams capable of absorbing blood and blood-based fluids, especially menses. These absorbent foams have high capillary absorption pressures required of absorbents used in catamenial products, yet have sufficient openness to allow free movement of the insoluble components in blood-based fluids such as menses. These absorbent foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) where the volume to weight ratio of the water phase to the oil phase is in the range of from about 20:1 to about 125:1. These foams are particularly useful as absorbent members for catamenial pads.

Abstract: A polyolefin based crosslinked foam excellent in impact absorbability, vibration absorbability and heat insulation, which can be used for various kinds of industrial applications such as materials for the interior of automobiles, cushioning, building, furniture, home use electric appliances, which foam comprises:a polyolefin based resin (A), and a conjugated diene polymer (B) having the peak tan .delta. value (obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement) between -20.degree. C. and 40.degree. C.This invention also relates to a method for manufacturing said impact and vibration absorbable crosslinked foam.The polyolefin based crosslinked foam of this invention is excellent in impact absorbability and vibration absorbability while keeping moldability and heat resistance over a wide range of degrees of crosslinking.

Abstract: Absorbent foams materials that are capable of acquiring and distributing aqueous fluids, especially discharged body fluids such as urine. These absorbent foams combine relatively high capillary absorption pressures and capacity-per-weight properties that allow them to acquire fluid, with or without the aid of gravity. These absorbent foams also give up this fluid efficiently to higher absorption pressure storage materials, including foam-based absorbent fluid storage components, without collapsing. These absorbent foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs).

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 relates to compressable polymeric foam materials useful as insulation. These polymeric foams are prepared by polymerization of certain water-in-oil emulsions having a relatively high ratio of water phase to oil phase, commonly known as "HIPEs." The polymeric foam materials comprise a generally hydrophobic, flexible or semi-flexible, nonionic polymeric foam structure of interconnected open-cells. The foam structures have:(a) a specific surface area per foam volume of at least about 0.01 m.sup.2 /cc;(b) an expanded density of less than about 0.05 g/cc; and(c) a ratio of expanded to compressed thickness of at least about 3:1;wherein when the foam is compressed to 33% of its original expanded thickness and is thereafter maintained without artificial restraint on its surface, said foam will reexpand by no more than 50% after 21 days at ambient temperature (22.degree. C.).

Abstract: Absorbent foam materials that are capable of acquiring and distributing aqueous fluids, especially discharged body fluids such as urine. These absorbent foams combine relatively high capillary absorption pressures and capacity-per-weight properties that allow them to acquire fluid, with or without the aid of gravity. These absorbent foams also give up this fluid efficiently to higher absorption pressure storage materials, including foam-based absorbent fluid storage components, without collapsing. These absorbent foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs).

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: Prefoamed polyolefin beads, produced by extrusion followed by granulation, have a crystal structure with a double peak.

Abstract: Low density collapsed absorbent foams materials that, upon contact with aqueous fluids, in particular urine, can expand and absorb these fluids. These low density foams typically have an expanded thickness from about 6 to about 10 times the thickness of the foams in their collapsed state. These low density foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) where the volume to weight ratio of the water phase to the oil phase is in the range of from about 55:1 to about 100:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to acoustically active sprayable plastisol compositions based on styrene copolymers and/or alkyl methacrylate homopolymers and/or copolymers of methyl methacrylate which, in addition to the favorable abrasion properties and corrosion-preventing properties of the plastisols, have a good vibration-damping effect and distinctly reduce the noise caused by particle impact (chippings, water, sand).

Abstract: Expandable styrene resin beads are described, which, when expanded to a bulk density of 20 g/l, give pre-expanded beads in which the number of cells present along those surface parts of radii which range from the bead surface to a depth of 0.2 mm from the surface is from 3 to 20 per mm and to the bead center is 10 or larger per mm, the number of the number of cells present along those inner parts of the radii which range from a depth of 1 mm from the bead surface to the bead center is 10 or larger per mm, the number of cells present along said surface parts being smaller than the number of cells present along said inner parts.

Abstract: A vibration-absorbing element comprised of a foamed thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide elastomers, EPDM polymers and SEBS polymers containing conventional additives, the foam structure having a pore size which decreases from the inside towards the outer surface and terminating in a smooth closed surface.

Abstract: A styrene resin composition is disclosed which constitutes 45 to 92% by weight of a styrene resin (A), 5 to 45% by weight of an olefin resin other than an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer(B), and 3 to 25% by weight of an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer (C). The styrene resin composition of the present invention may be used to make a variety of shaped articles which exhibit excellent mechanical properties, such as an impact strength, elongation at break and resistance against chemicals such as Freon and oil.

Abstract: An expanded, memory molded, increased density, highly impact-resistant polystyrene construct, and method of making the construct. The construct is formed by molding pre-expanded non-equilibrated polystyrene beads to a first volume, cooling rapidly, and then compression molding to a final, smaller volume. The resultant constructs have increased density, and high impact strength without increase in embrittlement. Also, the construct has "memory" in the sense that it returns substantially to its original shape after impact.

Abstract: Low density, heat stabilized, flame retardant styrenic polymer foam compositions, include a halogen-based flame retardant such as hexabromocyclododecane and zeolite A heat stabilizer.

Abstract: A composition for use in sculpturing, a sculpturing piece comprising the composition and a method for obtaining the piece, wherein the composition comprises 90 to 99% of a particulate material consisting of particles having a size from 0.05 to 2 mm, and a plastic binder from 1 to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, each particle of the particulate material being encapsulated by a film layer of the plastic binder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer foam prepared by dispersing an organophilic multi-layered material into a melt comprising an olefinic or styrenic polymer having polar functionality so that at least a portion of the polymer intercalates between layers of the particles; and expanding the polymer with a blowing agent under such condition to form the polymer foam. The organophilic multi-layered material can also be dispersed into an olefinic or styrenic monomer, which can then be polymerized to form a polymer melt prior to, or along with the foaming step.

Abstract: A resin composition for low expansion moldings which comprises (A) 20 to 80 parts by weight of a vinyl chloride resin having an average degree of polymerization of from 500 to 1700 and (B) correspondingly from 80 to 20 parts by weight of a copolymer made of 60 to 90 parts by weight a polymerizable monomer mixture consisting of 20 to 40 wt % of acrylonitrile, 20 to 60 wt % of .alpha.-methylstyrene and 20 to 40 wt % of styrene and, correspondingly, 40 to 10 parts by weight of a crosslinked acrylic rubber. The resin composition further comprises (C) 0.5 to 30 parts by weight of an acrylic resin having a reduced viscosity of not less than 3.0 dl/g when measured by use of a chloroform solution of the acrylic resin at a concentration of 0.1 g/100 ml, (D) 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a thermally decomposable rosining agent, and (E) from 1 to 10 parts by weight of a stabilizer, each based on 100 parts by weight of a mixture of the components (A) and (B).

Abstract: Condensation polymerization followed by a supercritical extraction step can be used to obtain highly cross-linked nanoporous polymers with high surface area, controlled pore sizes and rigid structural integrity. The invention polymers are useful for applications requiring separation membranes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closed-cell polymer foam comprising a quantity of titanium dioxidce particulates sufficient to reduce the thermal conductivity of the foam to less than that of a corresponding foam without the titanium dioxide particulates. The titanium dioxide particulates have a wetting aggent applied to a substantial portion of their surfaces. Further disclosed are processes for making the foams.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for preparing an asymmetric porous membrane by a dry-wet phase inversion method, which comprises contacting a cast or spun polymer solution with water or organic vapor prior to immersing into the non-solvent precipitation medium, whereby said water or organic vapor is adsorbed onto the cast or spun polymer solution. Higher permeability and excellent rejection ability can be obtained, due to the high porosity and uniform pore size of said membranes according to the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expandable styrene polymers containing recycled polystyrene, having a recycled material content of from 10 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the polystyrene, to which alkyldi(2-hydroxyethyl)amines have been added during the polymerization.

Abstract: Absorbent foam materials that are capable of acquiring and distributing aqueous fluids, especially discharged body fluids such as urine. These absorbent foams combine relatively high capillary absorption pressures and capacity-per-weight properties that allow them to acquire fluid, with or without the aid of gravity. These absorbent foams also give up this fluid efficiently to higher absorption pressure storage materials, including foam-based absorbent fluid storage components, without collapsing. These absorbent foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs).

Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, open-cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam useful in insulating applications. The foam has an open cell content of about 30 to about 80 percent. The foam further has in minor dimension and cross-section of greater than 0.25 inches. The foam has a high heat distortion temperature, and is particularly useful in roofing applications. Further disclosed is a process for making the open-cell foam.

Abstract: A thermal insulator of the present invention includes a foam containing solidified CO.sub.2 gas. A method for producing the thermal insulator includes the steps of: mixing a metal compound selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide and a metal hydroxide, water, a polyol component, and an isocyanate component to generate a mixture; foaming the mixture in a container to generate closed-cells made of a water-foamed polyurethane; and allowing CO.sub.2 gas generated during the foaming step to react with the selected metal compound to solidify the CO.sub.2 gas, thereby depressurizing the closed-cells in the closed-celled foam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foam structure of desirable mechanical strength made with a low molecular weight alkenyl aromatic polymer material and an inorganic blowing agent. The polymer material has an alkenyl aromatic polymer of a weight average molecular weight of 100,000 to 165,000. The foam structure can be made in processes with reduced pressure drop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expandable beads based on a polymer of a vinylaromatic compound containing a blowing agent and, in an amount of 0.1 up to 2% wt, preferably 0.3 up to 1.5% wt calculated on the beads, of a plasticizer that is based on oligomers of styrene and/or alpha-methylstyrene having a number-average molecular weight (M.sub.n) in the range of 200 to 500, preferably of 260 to 460; and a process for preparing these expandable beads.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the semi-continuous production of microcellular foam articles. In a preferred embodiment, a roll of polymer sheet is provided with a gas channelling means interleaved between the layers of polymer. The roll is exposed to a non-reacting gas at elevated pressure for a period of time sufficient to achieve a desired concentration of gas within the polymer. The saturated polymer sheet is then separated from the gas channelling means and bubble nucleation and growth is initiated by heating the polymer sheet. After foaming, bubble nucleation and growth is quenched by cooling the foamed polymer sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing granulated polymer materials from polymer solutions, in which organic solvent of the polymer solution is evaporated in a heat exchanger, optionally with the admixture of steam, or in a holding tube with the admixture of steam, and the paste-like mixture of concentrated solution, solvent vapour and optionally of condensed steam is separated in a separator provided with rotating built-in components for cleaning off the walls. The pre-concentrated polymer solution is further concentrated in the separator by supplying heat by way of heating the separator walls or the rotating built-in components and by the shearing energy of the rotating built-in components.Residual degassing of the solvent is effected before granulation, e.g. in the discharge extruder of the separator which is provided with rotating built-in components, through one or more degassing zones, optionally by the additional admixture of entraining media, such as inert gas or steam, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surface-modified polymeric adsorbent material comprising a porous post-crosslinked polymer as a substrate and at least one surface-modifying polymer. The porous post-crosslinked polymer comprises a polymer of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated monomer, wherein the polymer has been post-crosslinked in a swollen state in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst. A process for preparing the surface-modified polymeric adsorbent materials, and the use of these materials in the separation of organic compounds, enantioselective synthesis and resolution of racemic mixtures are also disclosed.

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.

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: Shaped microcellular structures having substantially non-cellular skins are produced from reactive liquid polymer systems incorporating thermoplastic microspheres containing volatile materials such as low boiling point halogenated or non-halogenated organic materials. Use of thermoplastic microspheres encapsulating such volatile materials facilitates the removal of the shaped foamed structure from molds, eliminating the need for release agents. Various products based on this process, such as bathroom fixtures, bicycle and wheel chair tires, shoe soles, and automotive parts, are provided.

Abstract: Expandable rubber-modified styrene resin beads, expanded rubber-modified styrene resin beads, and expanded molded rubber-modified styrene resin articles are described. The expandable beads comprise a rubber-modified styrene resin comprising a styrene resin having dispersed therein 8 to 15% by weight of conjugated diene rubber particles having a 1,4-cis structure in a proportion of not less than 70% and an average particle size of 1.5 to 3.0 .mu.m, the rubber-modified styrene resin having a mineral oil content of not more than 3.0% by weight, and the expandable rubber-modified styrene resin beads containing 1 to 15% by weight of a volatile blowing agent. The expanded molded article has excellent appearance, impact resistance and softness.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, linear, bimodal monovinyl aromatic polymer foam having a weight average molecular weight of from about 100,000 to about 200,000, greater than 5 percent by weight of its polymer chains having a weight average molecular weight of 500,000 to 1,000,000, and less than 5 percent by weight of its polymer chains having a weight average molecular weight of greater than 1,000,000. Use of the polymer enables process pressure drop to be significantly reduced and allows the formation of a foam of lower density and larger cross-section. Further disclosed is a process for making the extruded foam.

Abstract: Low density collapsed absorbent foams materials that, upon contact with aqueous fluids, in particular urine, can expand and absorb these fluids. These low density foams typically have an expanded thickness from about 6 to about 10 times the thickness of the foams in their collapsed state. These low density foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) where the volume to weight ratio of the water phase to the oil phase is in the range of from about 55:1 to about 100:1.

Abstract: Low density, heat stabilized, flame retardant styrenic polymer foam compositions include a halogen-based flame retardant such as hexabromocyclododecane and zeolite A heat stabilizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expanded foamed bead of a rubber-modified styrene polymer, comprising a plurality of closed cells defined by cell walls which constitute a matrix for the bead, wherein each of the cell walls comprises two surfaces separated by a distance equal to the thickness of the cell wall.