Abstract: Process for compounding polyphosphazene gum by (a) mixing a composition comprising a curable polyphosphazene gum, filler, plasticizer and other conventional components but without any curing agent to form a non-curing masterbatch, (b) mixing a composition comprising a polyphosphazene gum and an excess amount of curing agent, at least 10 times that required to cure the phosphazene gum in this mixture and optionally containing other conventional components to form a concentrate and (c) blending the non-curing masterbatch from (a) with sufficient concentrate from (b) to provide an amount of curing agent sufficient to cure the entire resultant mixture.

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 silicone. The polyimides of the invention are particularly useful in the preparation of flexible foams.

Abstract: A spherical porous polyimide powder which is thermally infusible and is insoluble in an organic solvent, comprising spherical porous particles of a weight average particle diameter of 1 to 20 .mu.m comprising an aromatic polyimide having an inherent viscosity measured in sulfuric acid at a concentration of 0.5 g/dl at temperature of 30.+-.0.01.degree. C. of 0.1 to 2.0, wherein a packed bulk density is 100 to 600 g/l and a specific surface area measured by a nitrogen absorption method is 1 m.sup.2 /g or more.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to derivatives of azoles, their preparation and their use as chemical blowing agents for thermoplastic molding compositions. The agents of the invention are characterized in their improved compatibility with the resin wherein they are incorporated.

Abstract: Amino-resin products, which include aminoplast foams, can be modified by reacting an aminoplast precondensate, which contains an excess of formaldehyde or to which supplemental formaldehyde or another lower monoaldehyde or dialdehyde has been added before processing, with a hardening agent or with a solution of hardening agent, surfactant, and foamer in the presence of an additive that consists of one or more mononuclear or binuclear phenols, phenolic ethers, or acenaphthene derivatives with the overall formulas ##STR1## in which X is H, OH, SO.sub.3 H, Cl, CH.sub.3, or C.sub.2 H.sub.5 andR is H or an alkyl radical, with 1 to 9 carbon atoms, at a pH between about 1 and 2, mixed if necessary with aromatic sulphonic acids, at a pH between about 1 and 2. The modified products can be employed wherever free formaldehyde is undesirable.

Abstract: Methods of making low density 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 oxime. 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. A suitable hydrated compound which is stable up to at least about 100.degree. C. is mixed with the powder. A foam is then 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. The addition of the hydrated compound is found to result in an exceptionally low density foam.

Abstract: Microcellular foam materials having void fractions of about 5 to 30 percent and uniform void sizes on the order of 2 to 25 microns are produced by pre-saturating the material to be processed with a uniform concentration of a gas while controlling temperature and pressure to avoid cell nucleation. Processing is also done under pressure to avoid nucleation. After processing, pressure is released and cell nucleation occurs at or near the glass transition temperature of the material; it is then cooled quickly to preserve the microcellular structure.

Abstract: A cellular foam particularly suitable for use as thermal or accoustic insulation is produced by the condensation in an acidic medium in the presence of a catalyst hardener of methyloldihydroxydiphenylmethylene ether isomers.

Abstract: A method for production of polycarbonate-polyether-blockcopolymers is provided. One or more solutions comprising bisphenol A and polyalkyleneglycol and a phosgene solution are added to a cooled initial reaction medium in a cooled reaction chamber in such a way that the phosgene contacts substantially the reaction partners from the one or more cooled solutions after they have spread in the reaction medium. Preferably the phosgene solution and the one or more solutions are added through tubes ending above the liquid level of the reaction medium such that the solutions added contact only within the stirred reaction mixture the reaction partner. The phosgene is employed in an excess of less than about 10 weight percent of the stochiometrically required weight amount relative to bisphenol A and polyalkyleneglycol. The polymer is useful in the production of membranes for dialysis, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis.

Abstract: Methods of making modified polyimide/polyimide-amide foams having selected compressive resistance and density characteristics and the resulting compositions. An N-substituted aliphatic imide is prepared by reacting a suitable aromatic dianhydride with a suitable oxoimine. Within the mole ratio range of oxoimine to dianhydride of about 0.5:1 to about 0.05:1 the compressive resistance of the final foam can be selected in accordance with the intended end use of the foam. Density and compressive resistance varies inversely with the oxoimine quantity in the ratio, being greatest with the 0.5:1 ratio and lowest with the 0.05:1 ratio. 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 mateial to reaction temperature for a period sufficient to produce a stable foam.

Abstract: A high temperature and flame resistant closed cell polyimide foam material and methods of making the foam. An aromatic tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride is reacted with an oxomine to produce an N-substituted imide, which is then esterified with a suitable alcohol. The resulting liquid is dried and the dry residue is reduced to a uniform powder having particles with diameters generally in the 0.5 to 10 mm. range. The powder is preferably further dried, either before or after final size reduction, in a moderate vacuum at moderate temperature to remove any excess residual alcohol. The powder spontaneously expands to form a closed cell foam when heated to a temperature in the range of about 90.degree. to 150.degree. C. for a suitable period. When the powder is expanded in a closed mold, a well consolidated, uniform, closed cell foam product results. When expanded in an unrestricted manner, closed cell "macroballoons" having average diameters between about 0.4 to 15 mm. result.

Abstract: A high temperature and flame resistant closed cell polyimide foam material and methods of making the foam. An aromatic tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride is reacted with an oxomine to produce an N-substituted imide, which is then esterfied with a suitable alcohol. The resulting liquid is dried and the dry residue is reduced to a uniform powder having particles with diameters generally in the 0.5 to 10 mm. range. The powder is preferably further dried, either before or after final size reduction, in a moderate vacuum at moderate temperature to remove any excess residual alcohol. The powder spontaneously expands to form a closed cell foam when heated to a temperature in the range of about 90.degree. to 150.degree. C. for a suitable period. When the powder is expanded in a closed mold, a well consolidated, uniform, closed cell foam product results. When expanded in an unrestricted manner, closed cell "macroballoons" having average diameters between about 0.4 and 15 mm. result.

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: The tetramethylol derivative of 4,4'iso-propylidenediphenol is dissolved in a solution of water and ethylene or propylene carbonate to yield concentrated solutions of the derivative in a form which may readily be used in the manufacture of foams or used as a liquid binder for molded ceiling products. Based on 100 parts by weight of the tertramethylol derivative, these solutions contain from about 15 to about 35 parts by weight of water and from about 5 to about 30 parts by weight of ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate, with the total parts by weight of the water and carbonate varying from about 40 to about 45.

Abstract: High density structural ("blocking") materials composed of a polyimide filled with glass microballoons. Structural components such as panels which have integral edgings and/or other parts made of the high density materials.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for reducing the processing temperature of a thermoplastic polymer comprising blending the thermoplastic polymer in powder form with an effective amount of a compound having a softening temperature of about 20.degree. to 200.degree. C. lower than the softening temperature of the thermoplastic polymer. The invention further pertains to novel chemical blowing agent concentrates.

Abstract: Foamable blends are provided of high performance thermoplastic polymers such as polyphenylene oxides, polystyrenes, etc., and an effective amount of a first blowing agent which is an amide derivative of azodicarboxylic acid and a second blowing agent which is a dihydrooxadiazinone.

Abstract: Copolymide foams derived from a diester of 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid, an aromatic diamine, and a heterocyclic diamine. A molar concentration of the heterocyclic diamine approaching but not exceeding 0.42 is employed. This results in a flexible foam with a homogeneous cellular structure and a reduced compression set loss.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for reducing the processing temperature of a thermoplastic polymer comprising blending the thermoplastic polymer in powder form with an effective amount of a compound having a softening temperature of about 20.degree. to 200.degree. C. lower than the softening temperature of the thermoplastic polymer. The invention further pertains to novel chemical blowing agent concentrates.

Abstract: Novel imido copolymers, useful for the production of a variety of shaped articles, e.g., by molding, are prepared by reacting an oligoimide with an aromatic compound bearing labile hydrogen atom(s) on the nucleus thereof, or by co-reacting such oligoimide and aromatic compound with a polyamine.

Abstract: Methods of preparing polyimides and polyimide precursors from liquid resins containing tetracarboxylic acid esters and primary diamines which involve spray drying the resin.

Abstract: A process for foaming thermoplastic materials by adding to the plastics material 0.05 to 5 percent by weight of a dioxazolone of the formula I ##STR1## in which n is 1, 2 or 3, and when n is 1R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 -alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 -alkenyl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.9 -aralkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 -aryl, or phenyl substituted by C.sub.1 -C.sub.9 -alkyl, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.9 -alkoxy or nitro, or it is a heterocyclic radical, or when n is 2R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 -alkylene, ethenylene, m- or p-phenylene, m- or p-halophenylene, biphenylene, oxy-bis-(p-phenylene), 2,5-thienylene, 2,5-furylene, 2,6-pyridylene or naphthylene, or when n is 3R is phenenyl,and subsequently heating the mixture.

Abstract: A molding having a grain resembling a natural material such as wood, stone and the like and a method for producing the same are disclosed. The molding is made of a mixture of a colored polyphenyleneoxide resin and a thermoplastic resin. The polyphenyleneoxide resin has a low fluidity to form patterns, while the thermoplastic resin has a high fluidity to form a body.

Abstract: A process for the production of a foamed thermoplastic composition which comprises blending a minor amount of a foaming agent with a thermoplastic resin in an extruder and comminuting the resultant extrudate.

Abstract: A blowing agent combination comprising azodicarbonamide, zinc oxide and a benzenethiol sulphonic acid derivative having the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R is a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl radical and/or a chlorine atom,X is a number from 1 to 5, andR' is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl radical, a C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl radical or a C.sub.7 -C.sub.8 arylalkyl radical each of these radicals being optionally substituted by from 1 to 3 C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl radicals, from 1 to 5 chlorine atoms and/or a carboxylic acid C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl ester radical, or a radical having one of the general formulae (11a), (11b), (11c) or (11d). ##STR2## in which y is a number from 0 to 3,R" is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkylene radical or a xylylene radical which is optionally substituted by from 1 to 4 methyl radicals and/or from 1-4 chlorine atoms and R and X are as defined above;may be used as blowing agents.

Abstract: A process and composition for producing a permselective composite membrane. The process comprises dissolving a specified imidazolone ring-containing aromatic polymer in an aqueous liquid medium containing a water-miscible amine having a pKa of more than 5.0 in a concentration of at least 5% by weight, coating the polymer solution on a microporous substrate, and drying the coating to form an ultrathin film on the substrate. The permselective composite membrane obtained is especially useful as a reverse osomsis membrane.

Abstract: A composition comprising a gas-expandable polymeric material and an activated hydrazodicarboxylate blowing agent, wherein the activator is selected from nickelbis(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate), a mixture of 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone and nickelbis(2-oxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone), nickel stearate, nickel trifluoroacetylacetonate, [2,2'-thiobis(4-t-thiobis(4-t-octylphenolato)]nickel, nickelbis [O-ethyl-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)phosphonate], nickelammoniumsulfate, ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid), and hexamethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid).

Abstract: Filled thermoplastic resin compositions are provided wherein the filler component is compatible with and does not deleteriously affect the physical properties of the resin. The filler employed is a particulate, solid sphere which can be pre-treated with a surface active agent prior to being incorporated in the resin. The resin composition can also contain other ingredients such as impact modifiers, glass fillers, and the like.

Abstract: Poly(aryloxyphosphazene) copolymers are prepared having randomly repeating units represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R.sup.1 may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of monovalent aryl radicals and substituted aryl radicals having the structure: ##STR2## wherein X is a substituent selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, amino and halogen substituted on any sterically permissible position on the phenyl group; and wherein the amount of Cl present in the form of P-Cl bonds is from about 0.4 percent to about 10 percent by weight based upon the total weight of copolymer.The copolymers may contain minor proportions of randomly distributed units in addition to the repeating units described above, these additional units containing reactive sites enabling the properties of the copolymers to be modified by crosslinking and/or curing.The copolymers are elastomeric even in the absence of low molecular weight polyphosphazene oils.

Abstract: Novel foamable compositions are disclosed which may comprise a polyphenylene oxide resin with or without an alkenyl aromatic resin; and a foaming agent which is a thermally unstable copolymer.

Abstract: Poly(aryloxyphosphazene) copolymers are prepared having randomly repeating units represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R.sup.1 may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of monovalent aryl radicals and substituted aryl radicals having the structure: ##STR2## wherein X is a substituent selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, amino and halogen substituted on any sterically permissible position on the phenyl group; and wherein the amount of Cl present in the form of P--C1 bonds is from about 0.4 percent to about 10 percent by weight based upon the total weight of copolymer.The copolymers may contain minor proportions of randomly distributed units in addition to the repeating units described above, these additional units containing reactive sites enabling the properties of the copolymers to be modified by crosslinking and/or curing.The copolymers are elastomeric even in the absence of low molecular weight polyphosphazene oils.

Abstract: Foamed, low density polymeric articles have been fabricated from a non-tacky hydrogel obtained by blending normally solid thermoplastic polymer resin with a normally liquid organic solvent and water, at lower molding temperatures and energy requirements than those conventionally used in melt extrusion foam processing.

Abstract: Shaped flame retardant rigid thermoplastic foams are provided having high impact strength and superior smoke density and superior radiant panel test values. Blends of dichloroethylene bisphenol polycarbonate and a high performance thermoplastic polymer, such as isopropylidene bisphenol polycarbonate are injection foam molded under melt conditions to a variety of shaped structures.

Abstract: Novel blowing agents are disclosed comprising 3,3'-carbonylbis(organo carbazates). The organo group may be alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl moieties. In the preferred embodiment the organo group is an alkyl group selected from the group consisting of methyl, isopropyl, secondary butyl or tertiary butyl. The blowing agents find utility in the preparation of expanded organoplastic materials such as rubbers, thermosetting resins and thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: Tris-tetrazoles of formula I, ##STR1## wherein A is alkylene and R is hydrogen, alkyl or phenyl, are suitable blowing agents for thermoplastic resins, especially for polycarbonates and aromatic polyethers. The foaming process can be carried out at a temperature range of 230.degree. to 300.degree. C., the resulting foamed articles have a fine and homogeneous cellular structure.The tris-tetrazoles I can be synthesized from the corresponding tris-nitriles or tris-imidchlorides by reaction with an alkali azide.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the catalytically-induced preparation of phosphazene polymers. Cyclic halophosphazenes are polymerized in the presence of a catalytically sufficient amount of a compound having the formula M(OR').sub.x where M is an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, x is equal to the valence of the metal and R' is C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 linear or branched alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 substituted linear or branched alkyl, the substituent selected from the group consisting of nitro, C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkoxy, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryl and C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryloxy, or N.sub.3 P.sub.3 Cl.sub.z (OR').sub.6-z wherein R' is as defined above and z equals 0 to 5.

Abstract: Cellular structure of blown structural polyphenylene oxide resins is regulated by incorporation of certain acrylamide polymers in the molding compositions thereof. The cell regulating acrylamide polymers may be homopolymers or co-polymers of acrylamide, or of substituted acrylamides or interpolymers of such acrylamide compounds with compounds containing a vinyl group.

Abstract: Bis-tetrazoles wherein the two tetrazole rings are bridged by a direct bond or a divalent organic residue in 5,5'-position or in 1,1'-position have been found to be suitable as blowing agents for thermoplastic resins. They decompose at temperatures of about 230 to 300.degree. C. and therefore can be used for the expansion of resins which are processed at such temperatures, for instance polypropylene, polycarbonates, polyphenyleneoxides or polyamides. Preferred are bis-tetrazoles bridges by aliphatic or araliphatic residues. The expansion can be carried out in an extruder or an injection moulding device.

Abstract: A novel process has been developed for the molecular-weight modification of polyphosphazenes. Poly(aryloxyphosphazenes) are thermally treated in an inert atmosphere or vacuum at temperatures from 100.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. so as to yield materials having reduced molecular weights, improved processability, and enhanced thermal stability.

Abstract: Hydrocarbylsulfonyl carbohydrazides of the following structural formulae are disclosed for use as blowing agents: ##STR1## The compounds wherein the R groups are alkyl are novel, as are the polymeric products.

Abstract: A black sorbent thermoset foam which has been prepared by the pyrolysis of a composition comprising at least one aromatic nitrogen-containing compound having the general formula:X -- Ar -- Yin which Ar represents an aromatic nucleus on which X and Y are substituents directly attached to the nucleus, X represents a substituent having a negative Hammett sigma constant and attached to the aromatic nucleus by a nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur atom, and Y represents a substituent having a positive Hammett sigma constant and attached to the aromatic nucleus by a nitrogen atom, the substituents X and/or Y optionally forming part of a ring fused onto the aromatic nucleus, in an effective sorbtive substance for polar molecules and materials.

Abstract: Foamed, low density polymeric articles have been fabricated from a non-tacky hydrogel obtained by blending normally solid thermoplastic polymer resin with a normally liquid organic solvent and water, at lower molding temperatures and energy requirements than those conventionally used in melt extrusion foam processing.

Abstract: Tris-tetrazoles of formula I, ##STR1## wherein A is alkylene and R is hydrogen, alkyl or phenyl, are suitable blowing agents for thermoplastic resins, especially for polycarbonates and aromatic polyethers. The foaming process can be carried out at a temperature range of 230 to 300.degree. C, the resulting foamed articles have a fine and homogenous cellular structure.The tris-tetrazoles I can be sythesized from the corresponding tris-nitriles or tris-imidchlorides by reaction with an alkali azide.

Abstract: Sulfonyltetrazoles of formula I, ##STR1## wherein n is 1 or 2, A is alkylene and R is a mono- or divalent hydrocarbon residue, are usable as blowing agents for thermoplastic polymers. These compounds decompose at temperatures above 200.degree. C, therefore they can be used preferably for foaming thermoplasts of higher softening temperature such as aromatic polycarbonates, polyesters or polyethers.

Abstract: Flame-retardant and low-smoke plasticized polyphosphazenes are disclosed. The plasticizers are substituted cyclotriphosphazenes and cyclotetraphosphazenes.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the catalytically-induced preparation of phosphazene polymers. Cyclic halophosphazenes are polymerized in the presence of a catalytically sufficient amount of a compound having the formula M(OR').sub.x where M is an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, x is equal to the valence of the metal and R' is C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 linear or branched alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 substituted linear or branched alkyl, the substituent selected from the group consisting of nitro, C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkoxy, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryl and C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryloxy, or N.sub.3 P.sub.3 Cl.sub.z (OR').sub.6-z wherein R' is as defined above and z equals 0 to 5.

Abstract: Novel polymethylol polyphosphonates are prepared by reacting a trisubstituted polyphosphite having at least one alkyl group and formaldehyde. The phosphite reactant may contain the requisite hydroxyl functionality [e.g. - heptakis (dipropylene glycol) triphosphite] or the hydroxyl functionality may be introduced by carrying out the reaction in the presence of a polyol, e.g. - glycerol, as a protic solvent. The resulting reaction product is a water-soluble liquid of relatively low viscosity and may be employed without any refining. The thus-formed polyphosphonates can be readily incorporated into either rigid urethane foam formulations to impart flame retardancy or phenolic resins to improve flexibility.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyphosphazenes which have an at least partially regulated structure corresponding to the formula:--N.sub.3 P.sub.3 (Cl).sub.5 (OR.sup.1)--.sub.n (I)where n is greater than 2, and where R.sup.1 is phenyl or substituted phenyl. This invention further relates to copolymers, derived from the above polymers (I), which correspond to the formula:--N.sub.3 P.sub.3 (OR.sup.1)(OR.sup.2).sub.5 --.sub.n (II)where R.sup.1 is phenyl or substituted phenyl and where R.sup.2 is different than R.sup.1 and is an alkyl or substituted alkyl radical or a phenyl or substituted phenyl radical.These polymers are prepared by polymerizing cyclic triphosphazenes of the formula: ##STR1## to form the polymers (I) which, in turn, are reacted to replace the chlorine with organic radicals to form polymers (II).The polymers (II) can be formed by chemical blowing agents to form fire retardant articles. These polymers have fire retardant properties and evolve little or no smoke when exposed to an open flame.

Abstract: Flame-retardant and low-smoke plasticized polyphosphazenes are disclosed. The plasticizers are substituted cyclotriphosphazenes and cyclotetraphosphazenes.

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.