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: Water-absorbing foamlike crosslinked polymers which are obtainable by (I) foaming a polymerizable aqueous mixture which consists of (a) monoethylenically unsaturated monomers containing acid groups, which are at least 50 mol % neutralized, (b) with or without other monoethylenically unsaturated monomers, (c) crosslinker, (d) initiators, (e) from 0.1 to 20% by weight of at least one surfactant, (f) with or without one or more solubilizers and (g) with or without thickeners, foam stabilizers, polymerization regulators, fillers and/or cell nucleating agents, the foaming being performed by dispersing fine bubbles of a gas inert to free radicals, and (II) polymerizing the foamed mixture with formation of a foamed hydrogel, with or without adjusting the water content of the foamed polymer to from 1 to 60% by weight, processes for their preparation and their use in sanitary articles which are used for absorbing body fluids and in dressing materials for covering wounds are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous polymers comprising a perfluoropolyether unit, to a process for producing such porous polymers, in particular to a process for polymerising or copolymerising monomers incorporating perfluoropolyethers to form porous polymers, to articles made of or comprising porous polymers comprising a perfluoropolyether unit, such as membranes or ophthalmic devices, and to the use of porous polymers comprising perfluoropolyether units as articles, such as membranes or ophthalmic devices. The perfluoropolyether units are preferably of the formula (PFPE):--OCH.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O(CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O).sub.x (CF.sub.2 O).sub.y CF.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O-- wherein the CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O and CF.sub.2 O units may be randomly distributed or distributed as blocks throughout the chain and wherein x and y may be the same or different such that the molecular weight of the perfluorinated polyether is in the range of from 242 to 4,000.

Abstract: A process additive for polyolefin films and foams produces products having reduced aging time and reduced greasiness and reduced grease-like transfer as compared to glycerol monostearate (GMS). Carbon dioxide based blowing agents are suitable. The process additive comprises a fatty acid N-aliphatic alcohol amide of the general formula R-CON(R')R". R is a fatty hydrocarbon radical having from about 8 to 30 carbons. R' typically is hydrogen. R' can also be an alkyl radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons or an alkyl alcohol radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons. R" is an alkyl alcohol fragment of from about 1 to 6 carbons. The alkyl alcohol fragments can be monohydric or polyhydric. Secondary fatty monoalkanolamides in which R' is hydrogen are particularly useful, especially stearamide monoethanolamine (MEA). The benefits of the invention can be achieved and enhanced in some examples by mixing the fatty acid N-aliphatic alcohol amide with an ester of a long chain fatty acid with a polyhydric alcohol, including GMS.

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: Purification of physiological liquids of organism is performed by passing a physiological liquid with toxicants removed from a patient through a material which has a size a shape, and a structure selected so as to remove toxic compounds in the molecular range of 300 to 30000 Dalton from the physiological liquid and which is composed of a porous hydrophobic divinylbenzene copolymer which initially has surface exposed vinyl groups in which thereafter the vinyl groups are chemically modified so as to form different surface exposed functional groups with a greater hydrophilicity and greater biocompatibility than those of the vinyl groups.

Abstract: Foamed articles having enhanced tensile, elastic recovery, and creep and fatigue resistance properties are prepared using a dual cure system. This system comprises a heat or radiation-activated first stage cure (which follows or coincides with foaming) followed by a moisture-activated second stage cure. Heat-activated curing systems include peroxide, sulfur, etc., and radiation-activated cure systems include electron beam, gamma-ray, etc. Moisture-activated systems include silane, sulfonyl chloride, and the like.

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: A method for the production of a water-absorbent resin capable of fast water absorption is disclosed which comprises the steps of dispersing bubbles of an inert gas in an aqueous monomer solution of a mixture of a water-soluble unsaturated monomer and a water-soluble cross-linking monomer and subjecting the mixture to copolymerization under the condition that a volume of the monomer solution wherein the inert gas is dispersed is in the range of 1.02 to 5 times of a volume of non-dispersant state.

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: An absorbent material comprising a mixture of (1) a plurality of absorbent gelling particles comprising a water-insoluble, water-swellable polymer, and (2) an absorbent property modification polymer reactive with at least one component included in a urine. The mixture is made by (i) applying a solution containing an organic solvent, water and the absorbent property modification polymer onto the plurality of absorbent gelling particles, wherein the weight ratio of the organic solvent to the water is at least 50:50, and (ii) removing a portion of the organic solvent and water from the applied absorbent gelling particles. When a urine is applied to the absorbent material, the absorbent gelling particles are spontaneously connective through the absorbent property modification polymer. The absorbent material has at least one of the improved absorbent properties after swelling such as (1) liquid permeability, (2) porosity, (3) wet integrity, and (4) recovery property when subjected to external forces.

Abstract: A water-absorbent resin is produced by crushing a mass of crosslinked hydrogel polymer having high adhesion and elastic properties without kneading it, and drying the crushed crosslinked hydrogel polymer. In the case when the crosslinked hydrogel polymer includes cells therein, the crosslinked hydrogel polymer is crushed so as to restrain reduction in the number of cells contained in the crosslinked hydrogel polymer. The crosslinked hydrogel polymer is crushed by any of crushing methods including: shearing the crosslinked hydrogel polymer with a fixed blade and a rotary blade; cutting the crosslinked hydrogel polymer with a cutter having a pair of rotary blades that are mounted on different shafts and rotate while at least partly overlapping each other; cutting the crosslinked hydrogel polymer with a cutter having a rotary blade using a lubricant; and crushing the crosslinked hydrogel polymer after freezing.

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: A document feed component is presented comprising a foamed epichlorohydrin elastomer, a curing agent, and a blowing agent. The elastomer optionally further includes activators, polymerization accelerators, and a filler material. An important feature of the present invention is that the use of a foamed epichlorohydrin elastomer in accordance with the present invention does not require the use of processing aids and migratory additives. Consequently, the document feed component of this invention has the advantage of not contaminating paper or other media with which they come into contact, even for extended periods of time, while maintaining other advantageous properties, such as a high coefficient of friction, low hardness, low compression set, and excellent resistance to ultraviolet light and ozone. The document feed component of the present invention may be shaped as a roller, wheel, belt, pad or the like.

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: A method for foaming or foam-coating components is used for foaming hollow cavities of double-walled or multiple-walled components or foam-coating component parts with decorative surfaces so as to improve haptic properties of component parts. A material is introduced or applied in an unfoamed state to be foamed through the use of microwave energy. In order to achieve high dielectric losses and to ensure that the heat effect is evently distributed and essentially restricted to the material to be foamed, the material is adjusted in a polar manner by addition of certain substances such as conductive soot. Reflecting agents are used to improve the distribution and effect of the microwaves. The method ensures fully foamed hollow cavities and foam layers of uniform thickness. A foamable material for foaming or foam-coating components is also provided.

Abstract: A foam comprising a metal salt-crosslinked cellular (co)polymer (A) obtained by polymerizing a monomer charge comprising an .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid and optionally one or more other vinyl monomers, wherein at least part of said monomer charge is concurrently foamed and polymerized in the presence of a metal salt of carbonic acid, and processes for producing them. Low-density foams that are benign to the environment and can be easily produced can be provided.

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: Stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions containing polymerizable vinyl monomers, crosslinking monomers and initiators are obtained, useful in producing low density porous crosslinked polymeric materials by using a surfactant system containing (a) an anionic surfactant, the anionic surfactant having an oil soluble tail and an anionic functional group and (b) one or more quatemary salts having one or more hydrocarbon groups having greater than or equal to 8 carbon atoms. A water-in-oil emulsion can be formed with lower surfactant concentration than sorbitan fatty acid ester alone and improved surfactant performance at elevated temperatures is obtained.

Abstract: Chemically resistant, strong fluorinated copolymer adsorbent particles for use in carrying out chromatographic separations are prepared by high shear, anaerobic reaction of a di-unsaturated crosslinking agent with a polyfluorinated monomer in the presence of poly(vinyl alcohol) and a porogen.

Abstract: A water vapor permeable, waterproof polyether ester membrane contains 1 to 10% by weight of finely dispersed carbon particles, especially soot particles, having an average size of 5 to 40 nm.

Abstract: Porous polymers which are in powder form and contain N-vinylimidazole units and which are obtainable by free-radical precipitation polymerization ofa) 5-100% by weight of at least one N-vinylimidazole of the formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are identical or different and are H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, N-vinylaxazolidone, N-vinyltriazole, 4-vinylpyridine N-oxide or mixtures of said monomers,b) 0-95% by weight of other copolymerizable monoethylenically unsaturated monomers andc) 0-50% by weight of at least one monomer with at least two non-conjugated ethylenic double bonds in aqueous solution which contains 0.5-30% by weight of at least one electrolyte and, based on the monomers employed, 0.5-80% by weight of at least one surfactant, a process of the preparation thereof, and the use of the porous polymers.

Abstract: A polytetrafluoroethylene-containing powder mixture comprising polytetrafluoroethylene particles (A) with a particle size 10 .mu.m or smaller and organic polymer particles (B), thermoplastic resin compositions containing it, and molded articles obtained therefrom. The polytetrafluoroethylene-containing powder mixture provides higher dispersibility for polytetrafluoroethylene in thermoplastic resins, and is effective for improving the molding workability and mechanical properties of thermoplastic resins.

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 composition adapted to form a strengthened gel for treating subterranean formations is described, the composition comprising an aqueous liquid containing an effective amount of a water soluble crosslinkable polymeric gel forming material and a crosslinking agent in an amount sufficient to crosslink said material, and a gel strengthening amount of an inert colloidal particulate material. A method for forming a strengthened gel in at least a portion of a subterranean formation is also disclosed, the method comprising injecting into at least a portion of a formation an aqueous liquid gel forming composition of the type described, and allowing the aqueous liquid composition to form a strengthened gel.

Abstract: A process additive for polyolefin films and foams produces products having reduced greasiness and reduced grease-like transfer as compared to glycerol monostearate (GMS). The process additive comprises a fatty acid N-aliphatic alcohol amide of the general formula R--CON(R')R". R is a fatty hydrocarbon radical having from about 8 to 30 carbons. R' typically is hydrogen. R' can also be an alkyl radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons or an alkyl alcohol radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons. R" is an alkyl alcohol fragment of from about 1 to 6 carbons. The alkyl alcohol fragments can be monohydric or polyhydric. Secondary fatty monoalkanolamides in which R' is hydrogen are particularly useful, especially stearamide monoethanolamine (MEA). The benefits of the invention can be achieved and enhanced in some examples by mixing the fatty acid N-aliphatic alcohol amide with an ester of a long chain fatty acid with a polyhydric alcohol, including GMS.

Abstract: A water content of a water-containing gel of a hydrophilic cross-linked polymer is reduced by pressuring (calendaring) it. Then, a gel composition including, for example, a water-containing gel including cross-linked poly(meth)acrylic acid (salt), glycerol (polyhydric alcohol) and polyester fibers (auxiliary forming material), etc., is fed to a drum dryer on an upstream side of a pressurizing roller. Then, the resulting gel composition is pressurized (calendared) heated by a pressurizing roller to be formed into a sheet. As a result, a sheet-like absorbent material having at least one smooth surface can be obtained. The absorbent material resulting from the described method shows excellent properties and especially absorbing properties such as absorbing rate, absorbency under load, and shape retaining properties.

Abstract: Hot-curing, foamable reactive compositions based on natural and/or synthetic rubbers containing olefinic double bonds, vulcanizing agents and blowing agents with a high percentage content of sulfur give foamed rubber compositions exhibiting high structural strength and high volume expansion. These compositions are suitable as multifunctional filling materials for hollow structures or hollow profiles in vehicle or machine construction. At one and the same time, they perform a sealing function, damp acoustic vibration and stiffen the hollow structures to a considerable extent.

Abstract: A document feed component is presented comprising a foamed epichlorohydrin elastomer, a curing agent, and a blowing agent. The elastomer optionally further includes activators, polymerization accelerators, and a filler material. An important feature of the present invention is that the use of a foamed epichlorohydrin elastomer in accordance with the present invention does not require the use of processing aids and migratory additives. Consequently, the document feed component of this invention has the advantage of not contaminating paper or other media with which they come into contact, even for extended periods of time, while maintaining other advantageous properties, such as a high coefficient of friction, low hardness, low compression set, and excellent resistance to ultraviolet light and ozone. The document feed component of the present invention may be shaped as a roller, wheel, belt, pad or the like.

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: A silicone rubber particulate composition useful as an additive for cosmetics, rubbers, resins and paints is disclosed, said composition comprising:(A) a silicone rubber particulate having an average particle size of 0.1 to 1,000 .mu.m;(B) a water-absorptive resin particulate having a water-free average particle size of 0.1 to 1,000 .mu.m; and(C) water,wherein said component (B) is present at a level of 0.01 to 5 weight percent measured on a water-free basis relative to component (A) and said water is present at a level of 10 to 10,000 weight parts for each 100 weight parts of component (B).

Abstract: The present application relates to a process for the preparation of porous, hydrophilic, highly swellable hydrogels, which comprises freeze-drying hydrophilic, highly swellable hydrogels which have been swollen with water.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composition which, when cured, results in a foamed product having a low bulk density, said composition comprising:(A) 100 parts by weight of a saturated hydrocarbon polymer containing at least 1.5 alkenyl groups per molecule;(B) 5 to 20 parts by weight of a silicone crosslinker comprising an average of 7 to 50 organohydrogensiloxane units;(C) 1 to 20 parts by weight of water;(D) at least one component selected from the group consisting of(D') 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of an alcohol having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and(D") 5 to 30 parts by weight of a hydrocarbon liquid having a normal boiling point below 100.degree. C.; and(E) a sufficient amount of a hydrosilation catalyst to promote crosslinking of said polymer by said crosslinker.

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: Disclosed is a process for preparing an absorbent foam. The process generally comprises forming a solution of a polymer in a solvent, freezing the solution at a relatively slow cooling rate to a temperature below the freezing point of the solvent, removing the solvent from the frozen solution, and recovering the polymer to form a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymeric foam. The process has been found to enable one to prepare an absorbent foam that exhibits desirable softness and flexibility properties yet is highly absorbent. Such an absorbent foam may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: Foamed in place polymer compositions are made from monomer-in-polymer solutions containing free radical polymerization catalysts and foaming agents.

Abstract: Polymethacrylimide foams are prepared by a method, comprising:preparing a mixture consisting of(a) a monomer mixture of 40-60 wt. % methacrylonitrile, 60-40 wt. % methacrylic acid, and, optionally, up to 20 wt. %, based on the sum of methacrylic acid and methacrylonitrile, of other monofunctional, vinyl-unsaturated monomers,(b) 0.5-8 wt. % of a propellant mixture of formamide or monomethyl formamide and a univalent C.sub.3-8 -aliphatic alcohol,(c) a cross-linking agent system, which consists of(c.1) 0.005-5 wt. % of a vinyl-unsaturated compound which can be radically polymerized, with at least two double bonds in the molecule, and(c.2) 1-5 wt. % magnesium oxide, dissolved in the monomer mixture, and at least one radical initiators and optionally at least one additive, shaped in the form of a sheet;polymerizing the monomers in the sheet;subsequently foaming the polymerizate sheet at temperatures from 200-260.degree. C.; and thenheat treating the sheet in two steps, at a first step of 2-6 hours at 100-130.

Abstract: Novel molding compositions consisting essentially of a mixture of a skin-forming component and a foam core-foaming component physically dry-blended together. The skin-forming component comprises two distinct phases blended together, a high zero-shear viscosity material and a low zero-shear viscosity material. The foam core-forming component preferably comprises a foamable polymeric material including a suitable blowing agent. In a preferred embodiment, the three materials are selected from suitable homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene.

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: Control of polyethylene melt strength and melt viscosity has been used to produce foamed articles.

Abstract: Stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions containing polymerizable vinyl monomers, crosslinking monomers and initiators are obtained useful in producing low density porous crosslinked polymeric materials by using a surfactant system containing (a) one or more sorbitan fatty acid esters or saccharide fatty acid esters or mixtures thereof and (b) one or more quaternary salts having one or more greater than or equal to 8 carbon atom hydrocarbon groups. A water-in-oil emulsion can be formed with lower surfactant concentration than sorbitan fatty acid ester alone and improved surfactant performance at elevated temperatures is obtained. Sludge formation otherwise observed with the use of sorbitan fatty acid ester surfactants is also reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A method of producing open porous spherical particles by polymerizing monovinyl monomers and divinyl monomers and/or polyvinyl monomers (cross-linkers) in an emulsion with the aid of an initiator. The method is characterized by the steps of (i) preparing a w/o/w emulsion which comprises an aqueous phase having emulsified therein droplets which contain a water-in-oil emulsion, wherein the oil phase in the droplets includes vinyl monomers and an emulsifier which provides an inverse emulsion and the droplets have a diameter smaller than 2,000 .mu.m, and wherein the total amount of water is between 75-99% (w/w); and (ii) thereafter initiating polymerization and isolating the particles, optionally after sieving, from the reaction mixture after the polymerization process. A population of open spherical porous polymer particles which have a diameter within the range of 50 .mu.m-2,000 .mu.

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: Expandable, rubber-modified styrene polymers for elastic polystyrene foams comprisea) a continuous phase comprising polystyrene or a styrene copolymer containing at most 50% of copolymerized comonomers andb) from 5 to 30% by weight of a butadiene-styrene block copolymer dispersed therein,and also a low-boiling blowing agent. The rubber particles have a compact lamellar structure without polystyrene inclusions. The expandable styrene polymers are prepared by polymerization of styrene in the presence of the block copolymer and impregnation with the blowing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vinyl chloride copolymers, in the latex form, the particles of which are composed of a core, of an outer layer and optionally of an intermediate layer. It also relates to the process for the manufacture of this latex by seeded miscosuspension polymerization and to its applications in paints and plastisols.

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: 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 method and apparatus for producing a superabsorbent foam is provided. The method includes forming a reaction mixture comprising at least one compound capable of forming a superabsorbent foam, stirring the reaction mixture, applying mechanical waves to the reaction mixture and repeating the stirring and applying a selected number of times thereby forming the superabsorbent foam.

Abstract: A water vapor permeable, waterproof polyether ester membrane contains 1 to 10% by weight of finely dispersed carbon particles, especially soot particles, having an average size of 5 to 40 nm.