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: A functional group-containing porous resin prepared by polymerization of a monomer mixture of, based on 100% by weight of the total amount of the monomers, 15 to 97% by weight of divinylbenzene, 0 to 82% by weight of at least one aromatic monovinyl monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, methylstyrene and ethylvinylbenzene and 3 to 30% by weight of a vinylbenzyloxyalkyl derivative represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein n is an integer of 2 to 16 and A represents a hydroxyl group or a halogen atom, and a process for preparing the same. The above-mentioned porous resin of the invention can fully exhibit its function due to the marked presence of a functional group on the surface of the resin and/or in the neighborhood thereof.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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 process for the reclamation of polystyrene and other styrene containing polymers, by dissolving said polystyrene polymer into a water soluble solvent, such as NMP, and then precipitating said polymer away from the water soluble solvent through the addition of the water soluble solvent/styrene polymer solution into water. The particles of the polymer that precipitate out and float to the surface of the water can be collected and dried at temperatures that do not give added heat history to the polymer.

Abstract: An expandable styrene polymer comprisinga) from 0 to 90% by weight of a styrene polymer or styrene copolymer other than b) contains at least 50% by weight of copolymerized styrene,b) from 10 to 100% by weight of a styrene/methacrylamide copolymer comprising from 0.5 to 50% by weight of at least one copolymerized N-substituted methacrylamide of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 - to C.sub.15 -alkyl, C.sub.6 - to C.sub.16 -cycloalkyl or C.sub.6 - to C.sub.20 -aryl, it being possible, if R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 contain at least 2 carbon atoms, for at least 2 carbon atoms to be linked via hetero atoms, andc) from 1 to 15% by weight, based on the sum of a) and b), of an aliphatic C.sub.3 - to C.sub.9 -hydrocarbon and/or carbon dioxide as blowing agent.

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: 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: An expandable styrene polymer comprisinga) from 0 to 90% by weight of a styrene polymer or styrene copolymer other than b) contains at least 50% by weight of copolymerized styrene,b) from 10 to 100% by weight of a styrene/methacrylamide copolymer comprising from 0.5 to 50% by weight of at least one copolymerized N-substituted methacrylamide of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 - to C.sub.15 -alkyl, C.sub.6 - to C.sub.16 -cycloalkyl or C.sub.6 - to C.sub.20 -aryl, it being possible, if R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 contain at least 2 carbon atoms, for at least 2 carbon atoms to be linked via hetero atoms, andc) from 1 to 15% by weight, based on the sum of a) and b), of an aliphatic C.sub.3 - to C.sub.9 -hydrocarbon and/or carbon dioxide as blowing agent.

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: 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: Controlled foams of crystalline amorphous polymers include a second phase polymeric material having a transition temperature below that of the matrix polymeric material. The second phase material provides nucleating sites for the growth of gas formed cells which are limited in size by the particle size of the second phase polymeric material.

Abstract: Isotropic porous polymer beads having a high surface porosity and large pore diameters from about 0.002 to about 5 microns are produced from solutions of a polymer or a copolymer by a thermally-induced phase separation process. The use of mixed solvent-non-solvent combinations as solvents for the polymers, produces high pore content, substantially spherical beads having a morphology ideally suited to the chromatography of large molecules, such as proteins, and for enzyme-binding.

Abstract: A two-component adhesive composition for the chemical fixing technique comprises a radical-curable synthetic resin having a viscosity of from 100 to 10 000 mPa.s at 23.degree. C. and spatially separated therefrom--a curing agent of the synthetic resin. The synthetic resin contains as binder a di(meth)acrylate of an alkoxylated bisphenol. The adhesive composition is for use in fixing anchor bolts, screws and plugs in drilled holes.

Abstract: The improved adhesion is provided by incorporating into an adhesive and/or sealant plastic material an effective amount of cyclodextrin or a complex of cyclodextrin and blowing agent. Where the complex of cyclodextrin and blowing agent is employed, an expandable mixture is formed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a a bimodal, insulative, styrenic polymer foam structure comprising a foam of a styrene polymer material of greater than 50 percent by weight of styrenic monomeric units, the foam having relatively larger primary cells with a cell size range of 0.05 to 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. The bimodal structure has an amount of carbon black sufficient to reduce the thermal conductivity of the structure below that of a corresponding bimodal structure without carbon black. Further disclosed is a process for making the foam structure.

Abstract: A method for improving the expandability of styrenic polymer particles is disclosed. The method comprises copolymerizing a styrenic monomer with an amount of an acrylate monomer effective to improve the expandability of the particles without adversely affecting their heat sensitivity. Polymer foams of low density can be prepared with reduced amounts of blowing agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophilic, swellable polymers which consist of radicals of the general formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 are defined as stated in the description, and of radicals of a crosslinking agent which have originated from monomers having at least two olefinically unsaturated double bonds, and which are characterized in that they are in the form of a highly porous, foam-like polyhedral structure, their preparation and their use as absorption agents for water and aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A process for the production of a stable curable water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion containing monomers as the continuous phase is provided by adding an initiator subsequent to formation of a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion. The process forms uniform stable water-in-oil high internal phase emulsions in a continuous mixing process. These curable water-in-oil high internal phase emulsions are useful for the preparation of low density porous crosslinked polymeric materials.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymer of controlled particle size is prepared by polymerizing styrene and optionally polymerizable comonomers in a stirred aqueous suspension in the presence of monomer-soluble free radical initiator and dispersant to the extent that at least 70%, based on the total monomer, of the monomers are polymerized in the aqueous suspension initially to a conversion of at least 70% by weight; and then adding the remaining monomer, initiator and optional copolymerizable monomer and additives to the polymerization medium over one to three hours.

Abstract: A method of making a foamed polymer article by injection molding, using a foaming agent that evolves minimal water and does not form byproducts which could pit or chalk the polymer surface. The foaming agent contains sodium borohydride in an amount from 0.01 weight percent of the polymer to be foamed, and a polyhydric alcohol such as six-carbon mannitor as an activator to react with the sodium borohydride and produce hydrogen gas. Boric acid can be included with the alcohol. the sodium borohydride is kept separated from the other reactive components such as by encapsulation until gas production is desired when the polymer is heated and molded.

Abstract: A method to prepare uniform populations of macroscopic beads containing pores of at least 0.1 microns diameter is described. The beads consist essentially of a copolymer of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer and a crosslinking polyethylenically unsaturated monomer, said resulting copolymer optionally being derivatized with functional groups, linking moieties, and/or affinity ligands. The macroporous beads are obtained by utilizing, as porogen in the polymerization reaction, porous inorganic particles which have been preabsorbed with a blowing agent. The blowing agent is not activated until after the polymerization takes place; when the blowing agent is activated, the organic polymer which isolates the inorganic porogen particles from each other in the bead is destroyed. Upon subsequent dissolution of the inorganic porogen, a network of pores throughout the organic copolymer-formed particle is formed. The resulting beads are useful in a variety of chromatographic, analytical and biomedical techniques.

Abstract: A method of making a foamed polymer article by injection molding, using a foaming agent that does not form byproducts which could pit or chalk the polymer surface. The foaming agent contains sodium borohydride in an amount from 0.01 to 5.0 weight percent of the polymer, and sodium dihydrogen phosphate as an activator to react with the sodium borohydride and produce hydrogen gas. The sodium borohydride and the sodium dihydrogen phosphate are kept separated from direct contact with each other, such as by encapsulating the components, until gas production is desired when the polymer is heated.

Abstract: A method for producing expandable thermoplastic microspheres by polymerisation in a reaction vessel of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or a mixture of monomers in an aqueous suspension in the presence of a condensed propellant. In the method, the monomer or monomer mixture is suspended in the aqueous medium in the presence of a powder stabilizer which consists of a salt or hydroxide of any of the metals Ca, Mg, Ba, Fe, Zn, Ni or Mn. The powder stabilizer is insoluble in the aqueous medium at the pH the aqueous medium has at the polymerisation. The aqueous medium has at the polymerization. The aqueous medium may also contain a co-stabilizer. The method further comprises the step of washing off the powder stabilizer from the microspheres after the polymerization by lowering the pH of the aqueous medium by the addition of acid. Alternatively, amphoteric hydroxides can also be dissolved by a pH increase.

Abstract: A method of making a foamed polymer article by injection molding, using a foaming agent that evolves minimal water and does not form byproducts which could pit or chalk the polymer surface. The foaming agent contains sodium borohydride in an amount from 0.01 weight percent of the polymer to be foamed, and a polyhydric alcohol such as six-carbon mannitol as an activator to react with the sodium borohydride and produce hydrogen gas. Boric acid can be included with the alcohol. The sodium borohydride is kept separated from the other reactive components such as by encapsulation until gas production is desired when the polymer is heated and molded.

Abstract: A method of making a foamed polymer article by injection molding, using a foaming agent that does not form byproducts which could pit or chalk the polymer surface. The foaming agent contains sodium borohydride in an amount from 0.01 to 5.0 weight percent of the polymer, and sodium dihydrogen phosphate as an activator to react with the sodium borohydride and produce hydrogen gas. The sodium borohydride and the sodium dihydrogen phosphate are kept separated from direct contact with each other, such as by encapsulating the components, until gas production is desired when the polymer is heated.

Abstract: A process for making thermoplastic copolymer beads from vinyl aromatic monomers and vinyl phosphonic acid derivatives is disclosed. A process for making foamed articles from the beads is also disclosed. The foamed articles are useful for packaging and construction applications.

Abstract: Copolymer compositions based on vinyl aromatic monomers and derivatives of vinyl phosphonic acids are disclosed. The copolymer beads of the invention are advantageously used to make foamed articles useful for packaging and construction applications.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable alkenyl aromatic thermoplastic synthetic resinous elongate foam bodies having closed noninterconnecting gas-containing cells having an average cell size of 0.05 to 2.0 millimeters, a minimum cross-sectional dimension of at least 0.25 inch, a cross-sectional area of at least 8 square inches, a water vapor permeability not greater than 1.8 perm inch, a density of from 1.0 to 5.0 pounds per cubic foot (16 to 80 g/l), and an absolute dimensional stability of less than 4 percent in any direction when measured by the test designated ASTM D2126/C578 are prepared using 1,1-difluoro-1-chloroethane as a blowing agent and extruding at controlled temperatures.

Abstract: Novel, expandable polymeric blends comprising at least one vinylaromatic monomer-acylonitrile resinous material, an effective amount of at least one blowing agent, and from about 0.2 to about 1.0 percent by weight, based on the weight of resinous material, of an expansion aid consisting essentially of triethylene glycol. The triethylene glycol expansion aid unexpectedly reduces the amount of expansion agent required to expand the composition, particularly to low density products, without adversely affecting the final properties of the foamed product.

Abstract: The blowing agent is a complex of cyclodextrin and guest blowing agent. Suitable guest blowing agents include water, propylene glycol and cyclohexylalamine. The blowing agent is used in structural foam and adhesives.

Abstract: The clumping together of expandable vinylaromatic-acrylonitrile copolymer particles during expansion of such particles is substantially completely reduced by coating the unexpanded virgin particles with from 0.2 to 1.5 weight percent, based on weight of expandable copolymer particles, of particulate magnesium oxide.

Abstract: Hydrazone compounds having two organic moieties joined by a hydrazone group, such as phenylacetone t-butyl hydrazone, are useful blowing agents for foaming polymers, such as bisphenol A/phosgene polycarbonate at temperatures above about 280.degree. C., and particularly at about 300.degree. C. to about 310.degree. C. Polycarbonate polymers formed using the hydrazones as foaming agents show a high impact strength.

Abstract: A precipitation polymerization process for the production of a macroporous cross-linked copolymer in which there is added to a reactor equipped with a stirrer, at least one monounsaturated monomer and at least one polyunsaturated monomer, dissolving an inorganic polymerization reaction initiator in a homogeneous minimum-boiling binary azeotrope including a solvent and water, and conducting the polymerization in the azeotrope.

Abstract: A precipitation polymerization process for producing a macroporous cross-linked copolymeric lattice, capable of adsorbing hydrophilic and lipophilic fluids, in which process there is copolymerized at least one monounsaturated monomer and at least one polyunsaturated monomer in the presence of an organic liquid which is a solvent for the monomers but not for the copolymer, initiating the copolymerization of the monomers by means of a free radical generating catalytic compound, precipitating a copolymer in the solvent in the form of a powder, and forming a dry powder by removing the solvent from the precipitated copolymeric powder. One monomer is a hydrophilic compound and the other monomer is a lipophilic compound.

Abstract: Isotropic porous polymer beads having controllable surface porosity and large pore diameters from about 0.002 to about 5 microns are produced from solutions of an acrylonitrile polymer or a copolymer by a thermally-induced phase separation process including intensively shearing the polymer solution into small droplets. The use of mixed solvent non-solvent combinations as solvents for the polymers, and preferably reducing the polymer content in solution to below 10 percent produces high pore content, substantially spherical beads having a morphology ideally suited to the chromatography of large molecules, such as proteins, and for enzyme-binding.

Abstract: The process of enabling foam moldings to expand further than otherwise by impregnating the expanded sheet with inorganic gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, air and other pneumatogens prior to reheating to effect expansion.

Abstract: Alkenyl aromatic thermoplastic synthetic resinous elongate foam bodies having a machine direction, a traverse direction and closed noninterconnecting gas-containing cells are prepared using 1,1-difluoro-1-chloroethane as a blowing agent. These foam bodies have an average cell size of 0.05 to 2.0 millimeters, a minimum cross-sectional dimension of at least 0.25 inch, a cross-sectional area of at least 8 square inches, a water vapor permeability not greater than 1.8 perm inch, a density not exceeding 2.4 pounds per cubic foot, and an absolute dimensional stability of less than 4 percent in any direction when measured by the test designated ASTM D2126/C578. Also disclosed is a method for preparing such foam bodies, other alkenyl aromatic thermoplastic synthetic resinous elongate foam bodies having the same criteria, except a density from 2.4 to 5.0 pounds per cubic foot and a method for preparing such greater density foam bodies.

Abstract: Fluid polymer/polyol dispersions are prepared from novel polyether polyols.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fire retardant polymer compositions obtained by the blending of monomeric N-tribromophenylmaleimide, as a fire retardant additive with a polymer. The preferred amount of bromine in the composition is above 0.5% by weight thereof. The polymer is selected from styrenic polymers and copolymers, polyolefine, rubbers, epoxy resins, plasticized PVC and polyurethane. If desired, one or more additional fire retardant(s) may be incorporated in the composition. Optionally, synergistic fire retardant additives such as antimony oxide, or organo-phosphorus compounds are also incorporated. The flame retardant polymer compositions have improved properties compared with those obtained with known flame retardant reagents. It was also unexpectedly found that the fire retardant additive provides to the polymer composition stability against ultraviolet light irradiation.

Abstract: Rigid flame resistant polyurethane foams are made by reacting an aromatic polyisocyanate with a mixture of 25-75% oligoester and another isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing agent at an NCO index of less than 300. These foams which have an ASTM E-84 Class 1 rating are particularly useful in construction applications.

Abstract: A new water-swellable composition of a gelling agent based on hydrolyzed homo- or copolymers of acrylonitrile and of an inert metal oxide was synthesized. In the process, 1 to 22% of the nitrile groups were saponified to amide groups and 99 to 78% to alkali-metal salts. The obtained composition had a spongy structure and was characterized by high values with regard to both swelling capacity and swelling rate. Therefore it is particularly suitable for diaper manufacture and for agricultural use.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel elastic cross-linked porous polymer having a porosity in the range 75 to 98% internal phase volume and having interconnected pores, said pores having a mean pore diameter in the range 15 .mu.m to 80 .mu.m, said polymer having an elastic return from 50% compression to 90% of initial thickness of less than 120 seconds, and a process for its production.

Abstract: Improved reexpandable shrunken foam bodies of styrene-acrylonitrile type resin possessing an ability to reexpand to the original volume of the highly foamed state when left standing at room temperature under atmospheric pressure and a method for the manufacture of such reexpandable shrunken foam bodies.The aforementioned shrunken foam bodies are obtained by causing a styrene-acrylonitrile type resin to contain a prescribed large amount of a specific foaming agent exhibiting a slow gas permeation speed to the base resin and possessing the boiling point exceeding a fixed lower limit, heating the resin with steam thereby setting it to foam highly, and releasing the foamed resin into the atmosphere to be cooled and shrunk therein.The aforementioned shrunken foam bodies are convenient for the purpose of transportation and storage. They are useful as fillers intended to absorb shocks and insulate heat.

Abstract: A slab of rigid heat-foamable organic synthetic resin is heated until at least a portion of its surface is at or above the softening temperature of the resin, whereupon a microwave or high frequency field is allowed to act on the slab until foaming occurs.

Abstract: Enhanced coffee retention properties are achieved in thermoplastic polymer foam cups molded from thermoplastic polymer particles by coating at least a portion of the surfaces of the particles before molding with a fluorosurfactant.

Abstract: The process of enabling foam moldings to expand further than otherwise by impregnating the expanded sheet with inorganic gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, air and other pneumatogens prior to reheating to effect expansion.