Abstract: The invention provides a blowing agent composition and method of making the same comprising mixing carbon dioxide and a co-blowing agent or a blowing agent selected from the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, hydrofluoroolefms, hydrochlorofluoroolefms, hydrobromofluoroolefms, hydrofluoroketones, hydrochloroolefins, fluoroiodocarbons, alkyl esters, water, and mixtures thereof. Also provided is a method of making a low density foam using the blowing agent composition, and a biodegradable or biorenewable foam formed from a foamable biodegradable or biorenewable resin composition and the blowing agent composition.

Abstract: A film that is formed from a biodegradable polymer blend of different aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters is provided. More specifically, the blend contains a first copolyester formed from a terephthalic acid monomer. The use of a terephthalic acid monomer results in a polymer chain containing 1,4-(para-)terephthalate units linked in a generally linear configuration (e.g., ˜180°). The blend also contains a second aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed from a phthalic acid and/or isophthalic acid monomer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water absorbent material and an interconnected cell porous body which can be optimally used as a flower arranging pedestal and a plant culture medium. The interconnected cell porous body is formed from a resin composition with a polylactic acid-based resin as the main component. The pore walls, formed by joining together the crushed powder fragments formed by crushing the foam of the aforementioned resin composition, form the interconnected cell structure of the aforementioned porous body. The apparent density greater of the interconnected cell porous body is than or equal to 0.01 g/cm3 and a less than or equal to 0.2 g/cm3; the 10% compression stress is greater than or equal to 0.02 MPa and less than or equal to 0.3 MPa; and the compression recovery rate is less than or equal to 95%. The water absorbent material comprises the interconnected cell porous body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyesters obtained from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, polyfunctional aromatic acids and diols, wherein the polyfunctional aromatic acids are constituted by mixtures of acids of renewable and synthetic origin.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic copolyester comprising 50 to 60 mol % of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and 40 to 50 mol % of an aliphatic acid, at least 90% of which is a long-chain dicarboxylic acid (LCDA) of natural origin selected from azelaic acid, sebacic acid, brassylic acid or mixtures thereof; and a diol component.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyester film for the protection of a back surface of a solar cell which, when applied to a silicon thin film solar cell, exhibits excellent durability even under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions and long term thermal stability. The polyester film (a) contains a polyester, as a main constituent, obtained by polymerization using a polycondensation catalyst containing aluminum and/or its compound as well as a phosphorus compound having an aromatic group in the molecule; (b) has a whiteness degree of 50 or higher; (c) contains 3 to 50% by mass of fine particles with a mean particle diameter of 0.1 to 3 ?m; and (d) has an acid value from not lower than 1 (eq/ton) and not higher than 30 (eq/ton).

Abstract: Polymeric porous particles have a continuous solid phase and at least two different internal pores that are isolated from each other within the continuous phase. At least one set of discrete pores contains a marker material, and some instances, each set of discrete pores contain different pores marker materials that are isolated from each other. These marker materials are detectably different from each other. The porous particles can be spherical or non-spherical and can be used in any situation where the detectably different marker materials can be evaluated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the preparation of ketal compounds from anhydropentitols and oxocarboxylates; derivatives, homopolymers, and copolymers thereof; and various compositions, formulations, and articles derived therefrom.

Abstract: Method for treating thermoplastic to make a surface thereof superhydrophobic. The method includes exposing the thermoplastic to a specific solvent for a selected time period. It is preferred that the treatment time be in the range of one minute to approximately five hours and more preferably in the range of one minute to 15 minutes. Thermoplastics and solvents having a similar solubility parameter interact with one another to form hydrophobic hierarchical surfaces.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the preparation of ketal compounds from anhydropentitols and oxocarboxylates; derivatives, homopolymers, and copolymers thereof; and various compositions, formulations, and articles derived therefrom.

Abstract: An engineered aerosol particle for use in aerosol applications is provided. The engineered aerosol particle comprises a fabricated nanoparticle body member being non-spherical. The fabricated nanoparticle body member is configured to provide at least one of auto-rotation, tumbling, or lift when entrained in an airstream to thereby increase settling time of the fabricated nanoparticle body member. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: It is intended to provide resin foamed particles having a high environmental compatibility. Furthermore, it is intended to provide an economical and easy-to-use method of producing resin foamed particles having biodegradability without using a crosslinking agent, which should be handled with care, in the step of producing foamed resin particles. It is also intended to provide a molded article made of foamed particles having an extremely high heat insulating property and a biodegradability. Thermoplastic polyester-type resin foamed particles, in which the ratio of cells with diameter of 50 ?m or less amounts to 20% or more in an arbitrary two-dimensional section of a thermoplastic polyester-type resin foamed particles, are first produced and then a molded article is produced with the use of these resin foamed particles.

Abstract: A structure is disclosed containing a sorbent with amine groups that is capable of a reversible adsorption and desorption cycle for capturing CO2 from a gas mixture wherein said structure is composed of fiber filaments wherein the fiber material is carbon and/or polyacrylonitrile.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and pressure vessels for solid-state microcellular processing of thermoplastic rolls and sheets. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for making a gas impregnated interleaved roll, which method comprises: providing a pressure vessel having an internal pressure chamber and a rotatable shaft horizontally positioned within the pressure chamber; placing an interleaved roll about the rotatable shaft and within the pressure chamber, wherein the interleaved roll is made from a thermoplastic material sheet interleaved together with a gas-channeling material sheet; pressurizing the pressure chamber to a selected pressure; rotating the rotatable shaft having the interleaved roll thereabouts (thereby rotating the interleaved roll) while under pressure for a selected period of time; and depressurizing the internal chamber to yield the gas impregnated interleaved roll.

Abstract: A biodegradable composition includes: a polymer component including a first polymer of polybutylene-1,4-succinate (PBS); and a cross-linking agent capable of producing a free radical to allow the polymer component to be subjected to a free radical cross-linking reaction in such a condition that the biodegradable composition has a melt index ranging from 1.5 to 3.0.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a biomass composite composition and a foaming method thereof. The biomass composite composition includes (a) polyester alloy containing biodegradable polyester and petrochemical plastic, (b) reinforcing agent, (c) foaming agent, (d) compatibilizer, (e) lubricant, and (f) impact modifier. The biomass composite composition of the present invention is biodegradable and of heat resistance and melt strength suitable for manufacture of foam products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing metal nanoparticles, wherein metal ions are reduced by means of at least one reducing agent in the presence of at least one polymer stabilizer and are converted into metal nanoparticles. The invention further relates to metal nanoparticles obtained in this way and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a nanovoided article, a nanovoided coating, and a low refractive index coating is described. The process includes providing a first solution of a polymerizable material in a solvent; at least partially polymerizing the polymerizable material to form a composition that includes an insoluble polymer matrix and a second solution, wherein the insoluble polymer matrix includes a plurality of nanovoids that are filled with the second solution; and removing a major portion of the solvent from the second solution. An apparatus for the process is also described, and includes a webline, a coating section, a partial polymerization section, and a solvent removal section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a copolymer obtainable by condensation of i) 90 to 99.5 mol %, based on components i to ii, of succinic acid; ii) 0.5 to 10 mol %, based on components i to ii, of one or more C2-C8 dicarboxylic acids; iii) 100 mol %, based on components i to ii, of 1,3-propanediol or 1,4-butanediol, and having a DIN 53728 viscosity number in the range from 100 to 450 mL/g. The invention further provides a process for producing the copolymers, polymer blends comprising these copolymers and also for the use of these copolymers.

Abstract: Certain small molecule amino acid phosphate compounds such as phosphoserine and certain multivalent metal compounds such as calcium phosphate containing cements have been found to have improved properties and form an interpenetrating network in the presence of a polymer that contain either an electronegative carbonyl oxygen atom of the ester group or an electronegative nitrogen atom of the amine group as the bonding sites of the polymer surfaces to the available multivalent metal ions.

Abstract: Fibered particles combine microscale spheroid particles and nanoscale fibers in an integrated body. Fibered particles may be combined with a matrix precursor to form syntactic foams incorporating both particles and fibers.

Abstract: The present invention has its object to provide a thermally expandable microcapsule, which shows excellent heat resistance and a high expansion ratio and thereby can be suitably used for molding processes involving high shearing force, such as kneading molding, calender molding, extrusion molding, and injection molding. The present invention also has its object to provide a foamed product using the thermally expandable microcapsule. The present invention relates to a thermally expandable microcapsule, which comprises: a shell made of a polymer; and a volatile expansion agent as a core agent encapsulated in the shell, the storage elastic modulus (E?) of the shell at a temperature of 200° C. and a frequency of 10 Hz being 1×105 N/m2 or more, the storage elastic modulus (E?) of the shell at a temperature of 250° C. and a frequency of 10 Hz being 1×105 N/m2 or more, and a maximum displacement amount measured by thermomechanical analysis being 300 ?m or more.

Abstract: A foam precursor mixture of polylactic acid (PLA) resin having a D-lactic acid content that is about 3 mole % or less; nucleating agent; chain extender; and hydrocarbon blowing agent is provided. The foaming mixture is substantially free of a crosslinking agent. The foam premixture can be used to prepare PLA foams having improved heat resistance, lower densities, smaller cells, and higher cell counts. PLA foams in accordance with the invention may be useful for preparing thermoformed articles such as trays. PLA foamed articles may be prepared that exhibit heat resistance above a temperature of about 49° C. or more, and in particular, a heat resistance at 5 minutes of exposure in excess of about 74° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are new compositions consisting of mixtures of flame retardants for thermoplastic polyesters based on a phosphinate salt, phosphonate oligomers, polymers or copolymers and a melamine derivative. The compositions exhibit an excellent combination of processing characteristics, thermal and mechanical properties, and are flame retardant. Further disclosed are articles of manufacture produced from these materials, such as fibers, films, coated substrates, moldings, foams, fiber-reinforced articles, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogel contact lens having improved wettability, and particularly to a hydrogel contact lens of a complex membrane having an IPN (interpenetrating polymer network) intra structure, which is prepared by crosslinking composition for a contact lens comprising, as a main ingredient, an acryl monomer and an oligosaccharide and optionally a silicone compound. Due to the presence of an oligosaccharide in a contact lens herein, tensile strength and wettability can be maximized to provide a superior wearing feeling and maintain wettability even after a long-term storage in a care solution such as a washing solution, a storage solution and a protein-removing solution.

Abstract: At least a selected microporous membrane is made by a dry-stretch process and has substantially round shaped pores and a ratio of machine direction tensile strength to transverse direction tensile strength in the range of 0.5 to 6.0. The method of making the foregoing microporous membrane may include the steps of: extruding a polymer into a nonporous precursor, and biaxially stretching the nonporous precursor, the biaxial stretching including a machine direction stretching and a transverse direction stretching, the transverse direction including a simultaneous controlled machine direction relax.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the preparation of acrylate, alkacrylate, allyl, and polycarbonate derivatives of hydroxy ketal esters, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Crosslinked polycondensation products of: (a) polyols selected from the group consisting of: (1) polyols with three or more hydroxyl groups, (2) acetal forms of (1), and (3) mixtures thereof, and (b) polyacids selected from the group consisting of: (1) polyacids with two or more carboxylic groups, (2) anhydrides of (1), (3) esters of (1), and (4) mixtures thereof are disclosed. The resulting polyesters have a molar ratio of polyol to polyacid from about 1:3 to about 3:1 and are highly-crosslinked. Preferred monomers are sustainable monomers such as glycerol, citric acid, fumaric acid, and sebacic acid. Two-step heating processes for preparing the high molecular weight polyesters are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate, expandable polymer, for example polystyrene (EPS) or polylactic acid (PLA) or a combination thereof, which can be processed to form a foam having a fine cell structure and a low density, and which contains a thermal insulation value-increasing material so as to increase the thermal insulation value thereof The present invention further relates to a method for producing such particulate, expandable polymer, as well as to a foam material based on such a polymer.

Abstract: A filtering unit for removing a virucidal substance from a biological fluid including an outer casing having at least one input aperture and at least one output aperture. The outer casing including a filter medium, which separates the filtration unit into an input compartment and an output compartment. The filter medium includes at least one hydrophilic material able to absorb or adsorb the virucidal substance. The at least one hydrophilic material includes either porous non-woven material or a porous membrane.

Abstract: Porous bodies which are soluble or dispersible in non-aqueous media comprising a three dimensional open-cell lattice containing (a) 10 to 70% by weight of a polymeric material which is soluble in water immiscible non-aqueous media and (b) 30 to 90% by weight of a surfactant, said porous bodies having an intrusion volume as measured by mercury porosimetry of at least 3 ml/g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester consisting essentially of a dicarboxylic acid component that includes a terephthalic acid component and a linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component; and a glycol component consisting essentially of a linear aliphatic glycol component and 0 to 4 mole percent based on 100 mole percent total glycol component of a dialkylene glycol component; starch; optionally water; and polyol plasticizer. Also disclosed are shaped articles such as films which exhibit greater than expected tear strength and methods for preparing the films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulation material for thermal and sound insulation with high mechanical strength, thus providing structural integrity from its own, and its composites with other building materials, such as concrete, for providing pre-insulated building elements, the manufacturing of such material and its composites and the use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foam sheet made of a biodegradable resin composition. The biodegradable resin composition contains a wax and/or a polyolefin resin. The biodegradable resin is mainly composed of polylactic acid. Natural candelilla wax or paraffin wax is preferable as the wax. Polyethylene is preferable as the polyolefin resin. Also disclosed are a foam article and a molded container made of such a foam sheet wherein the degree of crystallinity of the biodegradable resin is 10% or more.

Abstract: Described is a method for producing a void-containing resin molded product which enables producing a void-containing resin molded product having a high color saturation and an appearance excellent in brightness and heat insulation properties by stretching polymer-molded product containing a single crystalline polymer, and a void-containing resin molded product obtained by the production method. A first aspect of the method for producing a void-containing resin molded product is a method for producing a void-containing resin molded product, the method including: stretching a polymer-molded product containing a single crystalline polymer in at least one axial direction, wherein a yield stress (A) and a stress (L30) at an elongation of 30% in a stress-strain curve of the polymer-molded product in the stretching in the one axial direction satisfy Relationship (I): L30/A<0.

Abstract: A process for making substantially uniform polymer particles in an aqueous dispersion comprising forming a monomer emulsion with an emulsifying agent, at least one monomer molecule, and an initiator; adding the monomer emulsion to at least a stabilizing agent and a plurality of oligomeric droplets; and polymerizing the at least one monomer molecule to form an aqueous dispersion of polymer particles.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from which pyrogen has been removed are provided for use in numerous biomedical applications. PHAs which have been chemically modified to enhance physical and/or chemical properties, for targeting or to modify biodegradability or clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), are described. Methods for depyrogenating PHA polymers prepared by bacterial fermentation processes are also provided, wherein pyrogens are removed from the polymers without adversely impacting the polymers' inherent chemical structures and physical properties. PHAs with advantageous processing characteristics, including low melting points and/or solubility in non-toxic solvents, are also described. PHAs are provided which are suitable for use in in vivo applications such as in tissue coatings, stents, sutures, tubing, bone and other prostheses, bone or tissue cements, tissue regeneration devices, wound dressings, drug delivery, and for diagnostic and prophylactic uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyester composition comprising a diacid component and a diol component, wherein the diacid component comprises: i) isophthalic acid present at a concentration in the range of from about 23 mole % to about 30 mole % of the total diacid, and ii) terephthalic acid; and wherein the diol component comprises: i) diethylene glycol present at a concentration in the range of from about 1.1 mole % to about 3.5 mole % of the total diol, and ii) ethylene glycol. Other embodiments of the present invention include a film produced from the polyester composition and processes for producing the film.

Abstract: A method of preparing a rigid foam material is presented, the method comprising: providing a curable liquid matrix material; mixing the liquid matrix material with a plurality of microspheres; adding nanoparticles to the matrix material; and curing a mixture comprising the matrix material, the microspheres and the nanoparticles. The addition of nanoparticles to the matrix material may significantly reduce the viscosity of the mixture comprising the liquid matrix material and the microspheres. Thereby, even a mixture comprising a very high content of microspheres in access of 60 Vol.-% can still be handled and e.g. filled in a mould and/or be de-gassed. Thus, a rigid foam material having low specific weight and high electrically insulating properties can be produced. Furthermore, a method of preparing a liquid material with reduced viscosity is proposed, the method comprising: providing a liquid material; adding nanoparticles to the liquid material.

Abstract: Foam bodies made of thermoplastic polyesters with high homogeneity, a low open-cell factor and high elongation at break under shear stress, the polyester foam containing at least one thermoplastic elastomer such as a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer, in quantities of, for example, 0.5 to 15% by weight based on the weight of the foam body. The foam bodies can be obtained by foaming a starting polyester with low intrinsic viscosity in a mixture with a modification means in the form of a premix containing dianhydrides of tetracarboxylic acids and thermoplastic copolyester elastomers.

Abstract: A foam comprising the reaction product of one or more multifunctional acrylates with one or more multifunctional aceto- or cyano-acetate compounds in the presence of a base and a blowing agent.

Abstract: A masterbatch composition comprising an aromatic polyester resin, a polyolefin and a polyfunctional compound selected from the dianhydrides of tetracarboxylic aromatic and/or aliphatic acids and the polyepoxidic compounds, wherein the polyester resin and the polyfunctional compounds are omogeneously dispersed as solids in a matrix formed by the polyolefin, as domains of average particle size less than 800?. The masterbatch is prepared by milling polyester resins and polyolefin granules to obtain powders having average particle size of less than 200?, and the powders are therafter homogeneously mixed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-layered polylactic acid resin foamed body of a crystalline polylactic acid resin which has good appearance and excellent mechanical strength such as bending strength and compressive strength and which is capable of being imparted with excellent heat resistance, and to provide a multi-layered polylactic acid resin foamed molded article having excellent appearance, heat resistance and mechanical strengh. The multi-layered polylactic acid resien foamed body of the present invention is a laminate having a polylactic acid resin foamed layer and a thermoplastic resin layer provided at least one side of the foamed layer, wherein the foamed layer has a cell shape satisfying specific conditions, wherein the difference (?Hendo:2° C./min??Hexo:2° C./min) between an endothermic calorific value (?Hendo:2° C./min) and an exothermic calorific value (?Hexo:2° C.

Abstract: A white porous polyester film of the present invention comprising a polyester-based monopolymer/copolymer blend, a crystalline polymer resin which is not miscible with a polyester and has a heat deformation temperature of 90° C. or higher, inorganic particles, a whitening agent, and a stabilizing agent has improved optical properties, and thus is useful as a film for use in printing, labeling, electronics, and display applications.

Abstract: A window covering has at least an element made of polyethylene terephthalate mixed with a filler, wherein the polyethylene terephthalate has a melt strength greater than 500 Pa·s, and a ratio of the filler is between 2% and 40% by weight, and the polyethylene terephthalate is mixed with the filler in an environment with the temperature between 200 and 350. The mixture is put into an extruder for extrusion to have a long member, and then the long member is cooled for solidification and is cut to make the window covering element. The element of the window covering has a well rigidity, heat resistant, and light fastness property, and most of all, it is recyclable.

Abstract: The invention provides a molding producible by a process comprising the following steps: a) introduction of a foamable reactive resin into a support material and b) compressive deformation of the support material comprising the foamable reactive resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flame retarded thermoset formulations with good viscosity performance.

Abstract: A high strength porous polymeric material manufactured by a compression process is disclosed. The material results in a network of interconnected collapsed pores, which forces thin overlapping walls and passages to be created. The network provides permeable access for fluid migration throughout the material. The strength and/or permeability are advantageous for medical devices and implants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure can include polyurethane or polyisocyanurate board stock foam having a biobased content of 7% or greater as measured by ASTM D6866. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the use of renewable material for producing aromatic polyesters polyols and/or resins to generate foam products having biobased content.

Abstract: A coalescing agent for facilitating the separation of a non-aqueous phase from an aqueous phase of an aqueous medium, said agent consisting of particles of a polymeric foam material having: an IFD no. of 40 or higher (i.e. at least 40); a BR no. of 35 or higher (at least 35); a SF no. of 1.8 or higher (i.e. at least 1.8) and a density of 42 kg/m3 or less.