Abstract: A process for the production of cellular products which comprises incorporating a blowing agent into rubber or a thermoplastic material uses as the blowing agent a tetrazole compound represented by the formula: ##STR1## in which R represents an alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, aralkylene, alkenyl, alkenylaryl or alkenylaralkylene group.The novel blowing agents of the present invention include compounds which are liquids which may be directly incorporated into the molten rubber or thermoplastic material. The blowing agents of this invention are especially useful, as indicated, with polymers and copolymers that have high processing temperatures as they minimize polymer degradation and provide products with increased impact strengths.

Abstract: Azo compounds such as 2-ethyl-6-methyl-phenylazo-t-butane which contain an aromatic moiety bridged to one or more alkyl moieties by azo groups are useful blowing agents in a novel process for foaming compositions of polymers such as polycarbonates.

Abstract: Phenolic resins are produced by reacting a substituted alcohol or epoxy compound with a phenol compound in the presence of an alkali salt-forming compound. The phenolic resin may be utilized as molding material, as a coating agent and as an adhesive.

Abstract: A method for forming a molded thermoplastic foam structure comprising partially filling a mold with solvent imbibed particles of a thermoplastic resin, pressurizing said mold under conditions such as to prevent vaporization of said blowing agent during subsequent polymer melting, heating said polymer to a flowable state, releasing the mold pressure to permit foaming of the melt and expansion of the foamed polymer within the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in preparing foamed thermoplastic articles. It was found that a chemical blowing agent concentrate which contains a blowing agent which produces primary amines upon decomposition and additionally contains an anhydride compound which contains at least one cyclic anhydride in its structure, offers surprising advantages over the prior art process in terms of improved impact strength and process flexibility.

Abstract: Azo compounds such as 2-ethyl-6-methyl-phenylazo-t-butane which contain an aromatic moiety bridged to one or more alkyl moieties by azo groups are useful blowing agents in a novel process for foaming compositions of polymers such as polycarbonates.

Abstract: Disclosed are new poly(ester-ether-carbonates) which may be prepared by heating aromatic diol polycarbonates and poly(ester-carbonates) with ethylene carbonate, optionally in the presence of a suitable catalyst or promoter.

Abstract: An expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer composition and methods of preparation are provided. The composition is admixed with a volatile blowing agent and an expansion aid which includes a polyphenylene ether. The composition may be extruded and then expanded by exposure to steam or hot air or may be impregnated with blowing agent and then expanded.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a biaxially stretched polyparaphenylene sulfide film comprising a resin composition consisting essentially of 100 parts by weight of a resin of polyparaphenylene sulfide series and from 0.3 to 15 parts by weight of poly(4-methylpentene-1).

Abstract: Polyphenylene ether compositions rendered flame retardant with bromine-containing compounds can be foam molded into shaped articles free of streaking and without the generation of odors if the foaming agent comprises citric acid and sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of combinations of specific compounds as blowing agent combinations for thermoplastics containing ester and/or carbonate groups, a process for the foaming of these thermoplastics, and the foams obtained by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: The production of foamed articles of polyphenylene ether resins is improved by including a modifier comprising an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid or derivative. The resulting products are lightweight, exhibit superior heat resistance and retain flame retardancy over polyphenylene ether resins which are foamed in the absence of the modifier. Such resins are especially suited for the production of extrusion and injection foam molding material.

Abstract: Low density particles or beads of polyphenylene ether or polyphenylene ether-polystyrene blends are provided by incorporation of a suitable blowing agent such as pentane into the resin mixture, flowed by expansion of the resin particles by exposure temperatures near the Tg of the blend.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for the preparation of an article from a blend of at least two molecularly compatible polymers by treating the blend with a solvent which is a solvent for one of the polymers and a non-solvent for the other. The solvent can be removed while the article is restrained from undergoing substantial shrinkage, in which case a microporous article is obtained. Alternatively, the solvent can be removed while the article is permitted to shrink. In this case high shrinkage force (also referred to as recovery force) results which can be utilized to apply the article to a substrate. The final and intermediate articles are novel. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a microporous article having an average pore size of about 0.005 microns to about 1 micron.

Abstract: Phenolic resins are produced by reacting a substituted alcohol or epoxy compound with a phenol compound in the presence of an alkali salt-forming compound. The phenolic resin may be utilized as molding material, as a coating agent and as an adhesive.

Abstract: Foamable and foamed compositions comprising blends of an aromatic sulfone polymer, a linear polyester and an aromatic polycarbonate are disclosed. The composition, useful as an ovenable food container, is formed in a process in which the three components are intimately admixed, heated and extruded below or above the foamable temperature, depending upon whether a foamable or foamed composition is desired.

Abstract: A composition and a process for the preparation of modified polyimide foams possessing outstanding resistance to high humidity environments which comprises the step of preparing a foamable composition by mixing a solution of an ester of benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and caprolactam with a polyamine to form a resin precursor which when heated foams contemporaneously with the polymerization of the reactants. Two solvents with different boiling points are used to produce a two phase system which yields spray dried powders completely free of the lower boiling point solvent.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ether compositions rendered flame retardant with bromine-containing compounds can be foam molded into shaped articles free of streaking and without the generation of odors if the foaming agent comprises citric acid and sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: A gas-releasing composition of a t-alkylhydrazinium salt and/or a carbonylhydrazine and at least one compound selected from free radical forming sources, metal oxides, and sulfur and/or sulfur donor compounds wherein when sulfur and/or a sulfur donor compound is used, the composition will also contain one or more members selected from sulfur accelerators, metal oxides, and amino-alcohols. This novel gas-releasing composition permits the selectively tailoring of the gas evolution of a system in order to meet a wide range of specific application areas polymer characteristics and conditions over a wide temperature range.

Abstract: A blowing agent composition, comprising: (i) azodicarbonamide; (ii) zinc oxide and/or zinc carbonate; and (iii) at least one member selected from the group consisting of zinc salts of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 organic acids, and C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 organic carboxamides characterized by a high gas evolution rate. The blowing agent composition may be used in effective amounts in formulations containing a foamable polymer to yield an efficiently gas expanded polymeric composition upon exposure to heat. Suitable C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 organic acids for said zinc salts include straight-chain carboxylic acids, and useful organic carboxamides include formamide.

Abstract: The production of foamed articles of polyphenylene ether resins is improved by including a modifier comprising an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid or derivative. The resulting products are lightweight, exhibit superior heat resistance and retain flame retardancy over polyphenylene ether resins which are foamed in the absence of the modifier. Such resins are especially suited for the production of extrusion and injection foam molding materials.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: A composition comprising a dry blend mixture of a porous thermoplastic resin powder and from 1 to 80 wt. % of a microbiocide based upon the weight of the composition. The microbiocide is present in the mixture at a concentration of at least about 20 times greater than the normal upper usage concentration of the microbiocide, and is held within the pores of the thermoplastic powder.The resulting concentrate is a substantially non-dusting, free-flowing powder which is readily incorporated into a second thermoplastic resin to produce a resulting article having the appropriate level of microbiocide.

Abstract: A composition comprising a dry blend mixture of a porous thermoplastic resin powder and from 1 to 80 wt. % of a microbiocide based upon the weight of the composition. The microbiocide is present in the mixture at a concentration of at least about 20 times greater than the normal upper usage concentration of the microbiocide, and is held within the pores of the thermoplastic powder.The resulting concentrate is a substantially non-dusting, free-flowing powder which is readily incorporated into a second thermoplastic resin to produce a resulting article having the appropriate level of microbiocide.

Abstract: An expandable polyetherimide composition comprising (A) polyetherimide and (B) a blowing agent containing in the said agent at least 10% by weight of a volatile organic foaming component having a solubility parameter [.delta..sub.c ] satisfying the following equation.delta..sub.p -1.14.ltoreq..delta..sub.c .ltoreq..delta..sub.p +1.14,wherein .delta..sub.p is the solubility parameter of the polyetherimide, a dielectric constant of not less than 15, and a boiling point at normal pressure of not higher than 80.degree. C.; and a foam material obtained therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed are new poly(ether-carbonates) which may be prepared by heating aromatic diol polycarbonates with ethylene carbonate, optionally in the presence of a suitable catalyst or promoter.

Abstract: Novel amorphous polyimides are provided which are formed by the polymerization of bismaleimides with sydnones wherein carbon dioxide is evolved.The polyimides are readily soluble in dipolar aprotic solvents and are further characterized by high temperature stability to at least 300.degree. C.The polymers find particular utility in the form of films and solutions useful for wire enamel and electrical coatings.

Abstract: A gas-releasing composition of a t-alkylhydrazinium salt and/or a carbonylhydrazine and at least one compound selected from free radical forming sources, metal oxides, and sulfur and/or sulfur donor compounds wherein when sulfur and/or a sulfur donor compound is used, the composition will also contain one or more members selected from sulfur accelerators, metal oxides, and amino-alcohols. This novel gas-releasing composition permits the selectively tailoring of the gas evolution of a system in order to meet a wide range of specific application areas polymer characteristics and conditions over a wide temperature range.

Abstract: Polyphosphazene elastomers for use in making low density foam comprising a --P<.dbd.N].sub.n substantially linear backbone randomly substituted with 20-80 mole percent phenoxy, 20-80 mole percent lower alkylphenoxy, 1-50 mole percent alkoxy and 0.5-20 mole percent alkenylphenoxy and the foamed products made therefrom.

Abstract: Methods of foaming and fully curing polyimide resins entirely by the application of microwave energy. Foamable polyimide resins may be prepared by esterifying a suitable dianhydride, reacting the product with a suitable diamine, drying the resulting product and heating to spontaneously form a foam. In the past, such materials could be foamed but could not be satisfactorily cured to a resilient foam entirely by microwave energy. Post-foaming direct application of thermal energy was required to produce a satisfactory foam. We have found that adding a suitable oxoimine, such as caprolactam, to the reaction mixture results in a foam material which is fully and completely cured entirely by the application of microwave energy, considerably simplifying the process and reducing costs.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: Foamable low-modulus thermoplastic compositions are prepared by incorporating suitable chemical blowing agents in low-modulus polymers. Specifically, low-modulus copolyetherester compositions may be foamed by use of citric acid, sodium bicarbonate or mixtures thereof as blowing agents.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: A foamable thermoplastic composition comprising in admixture (a) a polycarbonate resin, alone, or with (b) a polyester resin, (c) a minor amount of a foaming agent and (d) a minor amount of a non-fibrous particulate agent comprising an organic polymeric material to nucleate the foam. The composition also contains a surface active agent compound, such as a silicone, a polyglycol ether, a fatty acid derivative or a mixture thereof, to enhance particulate dispersion and to reduce the surface tension.

Abstract: Epoxy compounds are added to polycarbonate resin to reduce or eliminate the necessity of drying the resin prior to a foaming process.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbided with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: A process for the production of 2-aryl-4-acyl-1.3.4-oxdiazolones-(5), in which an aromatic carboxylic acid hydrazide is reacted at a pH value of from 1.8 to 3.0 with phosgene in a mixture consisting of water and acetone at a temperature of from 0.degree. C. to 50.degree. C., subsequently the pH is increased to from 9.5 to 11.0, then about 100 mol % of a carboxylic acid chloride or about 50 mol % of a dicarboxylic acid chloride (based on mols of carboxylic acid hydrazide) is added and optionally from 10.sup.-4 to 1.0 mol % (based on mols of carboxylic acid hydrazide) of a tertiary amine or phosphine is added as a catalyst and the reaction is completed at a temperature from 0.degree. C. to 50.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for foaming thermoplastic aromatic polycarbonates, 2-phenyl-1-oxa-3,4-diazol-5-ones acylated in the 4-position being used in combination with cyanuric acid.

Abstract: Epoxy compounds are added to polycarbonate resin to reduce or eliminate the necessity of drying the resin prior to a foaming process.

Abstract: The foam of the present invention, which has a multi-cellular structure including many wrinkles having one end in the boundary portion where at least three cells are adjacent to one another and extending toward the central portion of the cell wall, is a rigid thermoplastic resin foam having an ultra-low density, a high sound-insulating property, a high heat-insulating property and a high flexibility, and it is suitable for adaption for building construction. The process of the present invention is to provide the aforesaid foam of the present invention by subjecting the foam of a rigid thermoplastic resin to expansion, contraction and aging.

Abstract: A foamable thermoplastic composition comprising in admixture (a) a polycarbonate resin, alone, or with (b) a polyester, (c) a minor amount of a foaming agent and (d) a minor amount of an inorganic non-fibrous particulate nucleating agent, alone, or with a particulate organic polymeric material, wherein (d) has an aspect ratio of about 1 and a small particle size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foamable polyetherimide resin. These foamable polyetherimides have an effective amount of a chemical blowing agent which decomposes at a temperature equal to or greater than the glass transition temperature of the polyetherimide resin and does not have an adverse effect on the polyetherimide.

Abstract: A polyimide and a process for its preparation wherein the polyimide is prepared from reaction of an organic tetracarboxylic acid or derivative thereof with a mixture of an aromatic diamine and an amine-terminated butadiene-nitrile copolymer. The polyimides of the invention are particularly useful in the preparation of flexible foams.

Abstract: Foamed polyphosphazene articles having consistent appearance and physical properties are made by masticating a mixture of high molecular weight linear polyphosphazene, a curing agent (e.g., sulfur), an accelerator, a blowing agent and optionally fillers, processing aids and the like until the temperature of the composition rises to a pre-determined level. Mixing is stopped and the composition is shaped, heated to pre-cure and then heated to activate the blowing agent and complete the cure.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: Methods of making modified polyimide/polyimide-amide foams and the resulting compositions. An N-substituted aliphatic imide is prepared by reacting a suitable aromatic dianhydride with a suitable oxoimine. A polyimide forming material is prepared by dissolving the N-substituted aliphatic imide in an esterifying solvent, then adding a suitable aromatic diamine. This material is dried to a powder or film. A foam is produced by heating the material to reaction temperature for a period sufficient to produce a stable foam. The material melts, then spontaneously expands into a foam which becomes self supporting and cures to a resilient flexible foam. Depending upon heating conditions, a polyimide, polyimide-amide or mixture thereof may be produced, resulting in foams having varying physical properties.

Abstract: Methods of making modified polyimide/polyimide-amide foams and the resulting compositions. An N-substituted aliphatic imide is prepared by reacting a suitable aromatic dianhydride with a suitable oxoimine. A polyimide forming material is prepared by dissolving the N-substituted aliphatic imide in an esterifying solvent, then adding a suitable aromatic diamine. This material is dried to a powder or film. A foam is produced by heating the material to reaction temperature for a period sufficient to produce a stable foam. The material melts, then spontaneously expands into a foam which becomes self supporting and cures to a resilient flexible foam. Depending upon heating conditions, a polyimide, polyimide-amide or mixture thereof may be produced, resulting in foams having varying physical properties.