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: 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: A solvent for polystyrene, having an excellent dissolving ability and chemical stability with no influence on the operating environment, is disclosed. A relatively simple recycling or reutilizing process of both the polystyrene foam and the solvent is also disclosed. The solvent comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of such a glycol ether compound as diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether or dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, and such a fatty acid dialkyl ester compound as dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate or dimethyl adipate. These compounds have a flash point of 100.degree. C. or higher, and can be made nonflammable by addition of water.

Abstract: A foamed plastic manufactured by foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic is less than atmospheric pressure, is disclosed. Further, a foamed plastic manufactured by hermetically sealing with an airtight film and foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in a gap region between the airtight film and the foamed plastic and the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic are less than atmospheric pressure is disclosed. Further, a method of manufacturing foamed plastic comprising foaming a mixture of a volatile polymerizable foaming agent and a resin, and irradiating the foamed plastic with an energy beam.

Abstract: A molded structure 1 produced by extrusion, such as an expanded plastic foam, a sheet, a profile or the like, contains at least 10% by volume of open cells 2, 4 which have a polyhedron-like shape and are adjacent to one another. A higher temperature during the extrusion in comparison with the extrusion of thermoplastic molded structures having a closed-cell structure results in deformation-free opening of the cells. Webs 3 of cell walls 5, 6 remain intact in shape whether they have orifices 7 or no passages, so that the mechanical strength of the cell skeleton or of the space matrix is retained.

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 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 foamed plastic manufactured by foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic is less than atmospheric pressure, is disclosed. Further, a foamed plastic manufactured by hermetically sealing with an airtight film and foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in a gap region between the airtight film and the foamed plastic and the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic are less than atmospheric pressure is disclosed. Further, a method of manufacturing foamed plastic comprising foaming a mixture of a volatile polymerizable foaming agent and a resin, and irradiating the foamed plastic with an energy beam.

Abstract: Extruded foam boards produced using halogen-free blowing agents from a styrene polymer thermoplastic matrix having a Vicat softening temperature VST B 50 of at most 100.degree. and a melt index MVI 200/5 of at least 5 ml/10 min are at least 20 mm, preferably more than 50 mm and in particular from 80 to 200 mm, thick. Preferred blowing agents for producing the foam boards are carbon dioxide alone, as well as mixtures of carbon dioxide and ethanol and/or dimethyl ether.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compatibilized carbon black useful in melt processing of plastic material. The carbon black is coated with a compatibilizing agent which enhances the dispersibility of the carbon black in a melt of the plastic material. Further disclosed are processes for making plastic foam structures with the compatibilized carbon black.

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: A process for the manufacture of a closed cell, rigid, polymer foam from polymer foam-forming ingredients containing a filler which comprises:(a) dispersing the filler in at least a portion of the foam-forming ingredients to form a filled dispersion, a fluorochemical surfactant being incorporated in the foam-forming ingredients either before, during or after the dispersing operation to form a dispersion containing a filler and a fluorochemical surfactant,(b) mixing the dispersion formed in step (a) with any remaining foam-forming ingredient or ingredients, and(c) foaming and curing the resultant foam-forming composition.The fluorochemical surfactant improves the stability, flowability and mixing of the dispersion during the foam production.

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 process for the preparation of expandable thermoplastic polymers by post-impregnation with a blowing agent in aqueous suspension in the presence of a mixture of magnesium pyrophosphate and a sulfonate group-containing extender as suspension stabilizer, in a reactor comprisesa) preparing the magnesium pyrophosphate in the same reactor at below 50.degree. C. by adding a solid magnesium salt in an amount corresponding to an at least 3% stoichiometric excess, based on pyrophosphate, to an aqueous solution of the pyrophosphate,b) heating the suspension medium to from 70.degree. to 140.degree. C. andc) adding the blowing agent in this temperature range.

Abstract: A novel biaxially oriented polystrene sheet product and process for making the sheet. Oriented polystyrene sheet is prepared by melt extruding a polymer, such as styrenic resin having average molecular weight of at least 270,000, blended with a processing agent, such as mineral oil, to lower glass transition temperature of the resin by at least 10.degree. C. The cooled extruded sheet is biaxially oriented under reduced orientation load conditions and orientation temperature. In a preferred embodiment styrenic resin is blended with about 3-10 wt % paraffinic hydrocarbon oil, such as mineral white oil or the like, in the substantial absence of other additives to provide a clear, oriented polystyrene sheet product having high modulus and low haze.

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.

Abstract: Novel porous copolymers are disclosed which can be used to prepare ion-exchange resins and polymeric adsorbents. The copolymers comprise a copolymer of at least one monovinylidene monomer and a crosslinking monomer and have a unique cellular pore structure. The cellular structure comprises a macroporous void phase which is dispersed within a continuous copolymer phase. The porous void phase comprises a plurality of cellular void spaces which are at least partially enclosed by walls of the continuous copolymer phase. Also disclosed are processes which can be used to prepare the porous copolymers, as well as ion-exchange resins and polymeric adsorbents using the porous copolymers.

Abstract: Residual chloromethyl groups in methylene-bridged aromatic polymer adsorbents are susceptible to hydrolysis to benzyl alcohol groups and oxidation to benzoic acid groups. The introduction of these hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups contributes to the water adsorption capacity or hydrophilicity of these adsorbents. Unfortunately, this hydrophilicity interferes with the utility of these resins as adsorbents for volatile organic compounds. By capping these residual chloromethyl groups with hydrophobic aromatic compounds prior to their opportunity to hydrolyze or oxidize, the hydrophobicity of methylene-bridged aromatic polymer adsorbents is increased and their utility for the absorption of organic compounds is enhanced.

Abstract: The material contains interrelated micro- and anisodiametric macropores which latter are disposed mainly on peripheral portions. The volume ratio of micro- and macropores is 1:3-7.The process involves freezing a polymer dispersion at a temperature ensuring a 3-11:1 ratio of dispersed phase to the noncrystallized dispersion medium, seasoning the conjugate-dispersed system at a temperature and within a time sufficient for reversal of phases, followed by thawing. The used polymer dispersion contains a liquid crystallizable dispersion medium and a polymer phase capable of autohesion at temperatures below the initial melting temperature of crystals in the dispersion medium.

Abstract: A formed thermoplastic resin article is made of a thermoplastic resin and a foamed elastic polymer finely dispersed in the thermoplastic resin. The formed thermoplastic resin article can be produced by blending an elastic polymer, in which an endothermic foaming agent decomposable at a temperature of at least 160.degree. C. was mixed in advance at a temperature lower than a decomposition temperature of the endothermic foaming agent, in a thermoplastic resin and then plasticizing and forming the resultant resin blend at a temperature at least equal to the decomposition temperature of the endothermic foaming agent.

Abstract: Polystyrene melts treated with flameproofing agents and nucleating agents are foamed by addition of alkanes, such as propane, butane or propane/butane mixtures, as blowing agents, such that the flame retardant properties of the polystyrene foams are achieved after a very short storage time, or at the latest after storage for three weeks at room temperature. Even after a storage time of one week, sufficient blowing agent is still present in the closed-cell pores of the polystyrene foams to be able to undertake adequate post-expansion of the foams with a foaming factor of 1.8 to 2.0.

Abstract: Polystyrene melts treated with flameproofing agents and nucleating agents are foamed by addition of alkanes, such as propane, butane or propane/butane mixtures, as blowing agents, such that the flame retardant properties of the polystyrene foams are achieved after a very short storage time, or at the latest after storage for three weeks at room temperature. Even after a storage time of one week, sufficient blowing agent is still present in the closed-cell pores of the polystyrene foams to be able to undertake adequate post-expansion of the foams with a foaming factor of 1.8 to 2.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire retardant composition that is applied to materials such as building materials and corrugated board materials.The invention also relates to a method of making a fire retardant composition, and the use thereof for producing fire retardant materials, including insulating roofing materials, such as expanded polystyrene roofing.

Abstract: Polymeric adsorbent resins having both the high capacity associated with microporosity and the favorable kinetics associated with mesoporosity and macroporosity are useful for the chromatographic separation of organic compounds. These resins are prepared by alkylene bridging haloalkylated, porogen modified, cross-linked copolymers.

Abstract: A foamed plastic manufactured by foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic is less than atmospheric pressure, is disclosed. Further, a foamed plastic manufactured by hermetically sealing with an airtight film and foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in a gap region between the airtight film and the foamed plastic and the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic are less than atmospheric pressure is disclosed. Further, a method of manufacturing foamed plastic comprising foaming a mixture of a volatile polymerizable foaming agent and a resin, and irradiating the foamed plastic with an energy beam.

Abstract: Foams are prepared under reduced pressure and are subsequently encased in a material which will prevent ambient air from entering the cell voids. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam is formed by mixing the polyol and isocyanate components under reduced pressure, allowing the gas within the foam to reach equilibrium at a lesser pressure then in prior systems. The need for blowing agents is substantially reduced and the K-factor of such foams is highly desirable. The foams are particularly well suited for use in refrigeration applications where the foams can be encased to prevent air from entering the cells after curing of the foam.

Abstract: Process and intermediate for preparing an intrinsically foamed thermoplastic polymer comprising a vinyl monomer and maleic acid and/or maleic anhydride, in which process a polymer composition comprising:a) a core polymer based ona.1) 12-50 moles % maleic acid and/or maleic anhydridea.2) a vinyl monomer, anda.3) optionally a third monomer, where the sum total of a1+a2+a3 is 100 moles % and the weight average molecular weight of the core polymer is 50000-500000, andb) optionally a nucleating agent, is introduced into equipment suited for making foam, in which process the core polymer, and optionally the nucleating agent, are brought to a temperature which is high enough to release CO.sub.2 from the core polymer, and in which process the polymer melt is expanded to form a polymer foam with the desired density. The core polymer is preferably a polymer of styrene and maleic anhydride.

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

Abstract: 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: Disclosed is a foamable styrenic polymer gel capable of forming a closed-cell foam structure, comprising: a) a flowable melt of a styrenic polymer material comprising greater than 50 percent by weight styrenic monomeric units and about 0.1 to about 40 percent by weight of oxygen-containing monomeric units based upon the total weight of the styrenic polymer material; and b) a blowing agent comprising about 5 weight percent or more carbon dioxide based upon the total weight of the blowing agent. Further disclosed is a process for making the foam structure. The oxygen-containing comonomer content in the styrenic polymer material enables process operating pressures to be significantly reduced when using carbon dioxide as a blowing agent compared to a styrenic polymer material without comonomer content. The foam structure formed is of low density and of good quality.

Abstract: A process for producing thin microporous polymeric films for a variety of uses. The process utilizes a dense gas (liquified gas or supercritical fluid) selected to combine with a solvent-containing polymeric film so that the solvent is dissolved in the dense gas, the polymer is substantially insoluble in the dense gas, and two phases are formed. A microporous film is obtained by removal of a dense gas-solvent phase.

Abstract: Polymeric adsorbent resins having both the high capacity associated with microporosity and the favorable kinetics associated with mesoporosity and macroporosity are useful for the chromatographic separation of organic compounds. These resins are prepared by alkylene bridging haloalkylated, porogen modified, crosslinked copolymers.

Abstract: Substantially constant boiling blowing agent compositions of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and dimethyl ether.

Abstract: Disclosed are a foamable resin composition which comprises a copolymer with a weight-average molecular weight of 150,000-350,000 produced by copolymerization of a monomer mixture of 55-85% by weight of styrene and 45-15% by weight of a methacrylic acid ester represented by general formula (I)CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CH.sub.3)COOR (I)(wherein R represents a C.sub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compatibilized carbon black useful in melt processing of plastic material. The carbon black is coated with a compatibilizing agent which enhances the dispersibility of the carbon black in a melt of the plastic material. Further disclosed are processes for making plastic foam structures with the compatibilized carbon black.

Abstract: A small cell foam having a modified dense star polymer or dendrimer is described. This modified dense star polymer or dendrimer has a highly branched interior of one monomeric composition and an exterior structure of a different monomeric composition capable of providing a hydrophobic outer shell and a particle diameter of from about 5 to about 1,000 nm with a matrix polymer.

Abstract: Dense star polymers or dendrimers, modified by capping with a hydrophobic group capable of providing a hydrophobic outer shell, act as molecular nucleating agents in forming a polymer blend.

Abstract: Dense star polymers or dendrimers, modified by capping with a hydrophobic group capable of providing a hydrophobic outer shell, act as molecular nucleating agents. These modified dense star polymers or dendrimers are particularly effective for the production of small cell foams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foamable styrenic polymer gel containing an aqueous blowing agent capable of forming a closed-cell, unimodal foam structure. The gel composes in admixture the flowable melt of a polymer composition having greater than 50 percent by weight of a styrenic polymer and a blowing agent having about 1 percent or more by weight water based upon the total weight of the blowing agent. The styrenic polymer has a degree of water solubility sufficient to ensure formation of a unimodal foam structure instead of a bimodal foam structure. The unimodal cell size distribution provides desirable fabricability and machinability characteristics for the foam structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexibilized, insulative styrenic polymer foam structure comprising a foam of a polymeric composition of a styrenic polymer greater than 50 percent by weight styrenic monomeric units, the foam having relatively larger primary cells with an average cell size range of about 0.05 to about 1.2 millimeters and relatively smaller secondary cells ranging in cell size from about 5 percent to about 50 percent of the average cell size of the primary cells. The primary and secondary cells constitute at least about 90 percent of the total cell volume within the foam structure. Between 1 and 30 percent by number of the cells have microscopic "pinholes" between them. The presence of the pinholes enhances the flexure of the foam structure. Further disclosed is a method of insulating a surface comprising applying to the surface an insulating panel fashioned from the structure of claim 1.

Abstract: A method for preparing an improved porous polymer bead which comprises the following steps: introducing a mixture comprising a purified monomer, initiator and pore-forming agent into a 4-necked reactor with a suspension stabilizer and aqueous solution, suspending the mixture to provide homogeneous organic droplets at a temperature sufficiently low so as not to decompose the initiator, increasing the temperature gradually to a final reaction temperature and maintaining the temperature at the final temperature to react completely by suspension-polymerization the monomers in the individual organic droplet to provide the porous polymer bead, separating the bead, washing the bead with water, acetone and tetrahydrofuran, successively, and drying the bead, precipitating the bead in a solution mixed with monomer nd thinner to fill the pores of the porous bead with the diluted monomers, and introducing in a 4-necked reactor with a suspension stabilizer and aqueous solution, and by suspension-polymerization again, to c

Abstract: A polystyrene foam sheet comprising a polystyrene resin which contains 1 to 15 wt. % of a rubber component having a majority of particle sizes less than about 0.45 microns has been found to be superior for forming deep drawn articles. Optionally one or two films may be extrusion coated or laminated to the foam sheet prior to thermoforming. Also disclosed is a method for thermoforming the foam sheet. Preheat the sheet, clamp the sheet between the matched male and female mold members, move the members into final position while applying a vacuum through both members to both sides of the foamed sheet and then chill formed foam to set a final shape.

Abstract: A polystyrene foam sheet comprising a polystyrene resin which contains 1 to 15 wt % of a rubber component having a majority of particle sizes less than about 0.45 microns has been found to be superior for forming deep drawn articles. Optionally one or two films may be extrusion coated or laminated to the foam sheet prior to thermoforming. Also disclosed is a method for thermoforming the foam sheet. Preheat the sheet, clamp the sheet between the matched male and female mold members, move the members into final position while applying a vacuum through both members to both sides of the foamed sheet and then chill formed foam to set a final shape.

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

Abstract: Normally hydrophobic foams, such as polyurethane foams and polymerized water-in-oil emulsion foams, are rendered hydrophilic by means of treatment with simple surfactants and hydrophilizing agent salts. Thus, a surfactant-containing foam is treated with a solution of, for example, calcium chloride, and is dried to leave a substantially uniformly distributed residue of hydrated or hydratable calcium chloride on the surfactant-containing internal foam surfaces. In-use, the combination of surfactant and calcium chloride hydrate provides a hydrophilic surface to the foam. Other hydratable calcium or magnesium salts such as magnesium chloride can be used. The resulting hydrophilized foams are suitable for use in absorbent devices, including diapers, sanitary napkins, bandages, and the like.

Abstract: A cellular, foamed-polymer product is disclosed, which is constituted by a mixture comprising: at least one isocyanate, at least one anhydride, at least one vinylidene compound, poly-(vinyl chloride), at least one foaming agent, a heat stabilizer, calcium stearate and zinc stearate.The product production scraps and processing wastes and residues are not riskful for health and environment, and can be disposed of as "waste similar to solid municipal waste".

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to produce polystyrene foam comprising mixing a predetermined amount of masterbatch mix and a styrenic polymer, heating this mixture, injecting CO.sub.2 and/or nitrogen, in gas or liquid form, as a blowing agent and subsequently extruding, cooling and drying the resulting polystyrene foam.

Abstract: An improved polystyrene foam having less corrugation is disclosed which uses carbon dioxide as the blowing agent and 1-30 weight percent endothermic agent, such as water, with the weight based on the total carbon dioxide blowing agent and endothermic agent weight. This combination of carbon dioxide and endothermic agent decreases the corrugation of the thermoplastic foam, while just slightly increasing density, when the process parameters, including throughput, are equivalent to using only carbon dioxide. The process an also allow an increased foaming temperature and greater process throughput of an equivalent density thermoplastic foam at approximately equivalent corrugation levels when compared to the use of only using only carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions containing polymerizable vinyl monomers, crosslinking monomers and initiators, useful in preparing low density porous crosslinked polymeric foams, are obtained by using a surfactant system containing (a) one or more sorbitan fatty acid ester or saccharide fatty acid ester and (b) a glycerol monofatty acid ester. A higher water to oil ratio water-in-oil emulsions can be formed with the same formulation by using the glycerol monofatty acid ester cosurfactant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexibilized, insulative styrenic polymer foam structure comprising a foam of a polymeric composition of a styrenic polymer greater than 50 percent by weight styrenic monomeric units, the foam having relatively larger primary cells with an average cell size range of about 0.05 to about 1.2 millimeters and relatively smaller secondary cells ranging in cell size from about 5 percent to about 50 percent of the average cell size of the primary cells. The primary and secondary cells constitute at least about 90 percent of the total cell volume within the foam structure. Between 1 and 30 percent by number of the cells have microscopic "pinholes" between them. The presence of the pinholes enhances the flexure of the foam structure. Further disclosed is a method of insulating a surface comprising applying to the surface an insulating panel fashioned from the structure of claim 1.

Abstract: This invention relates to highly porous, crosslinked bodies derived from nitrogen-containing polymers, and a process of producing the porous bodies which comprises dissolving a nitrogen-containing polymer to form a gel, ionically crosslinking the gel, and covalently further crosslinking the ionically crosslinked gel body.