Abstract: A process for the preparation of bitumen foam, wherein a gas is dispersed into the bitumen with a temperature of less than 200° C. and with a viscosity van 100-10.000 mPas measured at the temperature using EN 12596, wherein the process includes bringing the gas tangentially into contact with a bitumen stream, to obtain a bitumen foam that is not dehydrogenated, oxidised or otherwise chemically modified, and in which at least 10 vol % gas is distributed substantially homogeneously. This process can be applied simply and safely, and results in bitumen foam without additions being necessary for this. In this way bitumen can be processed at lower temperatures, even below 100° C., to asphalt or wearing course.

Abstract: Disclosed are new compositions consisting of polyphosphonates and specific additive compositions that exhibit superior resistance to degradation due to exposure to air, high temperature and air, moisture or combinations thereof. Also disclosed are polymer mixtures or blends comprising these polyphosphonates/additive compositions and commodity and engineering plastics and articles produced therefrom. 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: A biocompatible and biodegradable elastomeric polymer material, the polymer material comprising: glycerol and dodecanedioic acid, wherein the molar ratio of glycerol to dodecanedioic acid is from about 5:1 to about 1:5. Methods for using the biocompatible and biodegradable elastomeric polymer material comprises providing an PGD elastomeric polymer comprising glycerol and dodecanedioic acid, in a molar ratio of glycerol to dodecanedioic acid of about 1:1 and administering the PGD elastomeric polymer to a soft tissue defect site in needs thereof.

Abstract: Polyester compositions based on 1,3-propanediol and aromatic and aliphatic diacids that can contain a large fraction of biologically derived content are disclosed. Transesterification between polyesters in blends of such compositions is greatly reduced using phosphorous-containing additives. The blends have properties similar to poly(ethylene terephthalate).

Abstract: There is presented a new flame retardant composition comprising a brominated aromatic composition and a butyl substituted phenyl phosphate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate expandable polylactic acid which functions as a starting material for producing foamed moulded products. The present particulate expandable polylactic acid is provided with a coating so as to improve the fusion properties. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a particulate expandable polylactic acid as well as to a method for producing a foamed moulded product and to the moulded product obtained thereby.

Abstract: Isocyanate-free foamable mixtures suitable for filling construction voids and for other uses, comprise isocyanate-free, alkoxysilane-terminated prepolymers (A) which have a silane end group of the formula [1], where X and Y are each an oxygen atom, an N—R3 group or a sulfur atom, R1 is an alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl or aryl radical having 1-10 carbon atoms, R2 is an alkyl radical having 1-2 carbon atoms or an ?-oxyalkylalkyl radical having a total of 2-10 carbon atoms, R3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl, alkenyl or aryl radical having 1-10 carbon atoms or a —CH2—SiR1z(OR2)3-z group, and z is 0 or 1, with the proviso that at least one of the two groups X and Y is an NH function, and (B) blowing agents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for making expanded foamed polymeric panels from solid monolithic semi-crystalline thermoplastic material sheets having a first thickness, density, and volume. In one embodiment, the method comprises: absorbing an effective amount of a plasticizing gas into the semi-crystalline thermoplastic material sheet to yield a reversibly plasticized semi-crystalline thermoplastic material sheet that is differentially impregnated with the plasticizing gas to define a non-uniform gas concentration gradient across the initial first thickness; and heating the plasticized semi-crystalline thermoplastic sheet to yield the foamed polymeric panel, wherein the foamed polymeric panel comprises (1) a second thickness that is at least about three and half times greater than the first initial thickness, and (2) a non-uniform second density level that is less than the first density level.

Abstract: A steel plate-reinforcing material of a type giving vibration-damping performance to a steel plate including a restricted layer and a thermosetting foamed viscoelasticity layer, as tackifiers included in said thermosetting foamed viscoelasticity layer, the tackifiers including a terpene system resin, an aliphatic series system petroleum resin and an aromatic series system petroleum resin are used, a fiber is added to the thermosetting foamed viscoelasticity layer.

Abstract: A porous material is provided which comprises a transparent polymer matrix defining interconnected pores and a wetting agent. At least a portion of the wetting agent is cross-linked with the polymer matrix. A process for forming a porous polymeric material is also provided. A bicontinuous microemulsion comprising water, a wetting agent, a monomer, and a surfactant copolymerizable with the monomer is polymerized, to form a polymer defining interconnected pores. The wetting agent comprises a cross-linkable wetting agent such that after polymerization, at least a portion of the cross-linkable wetting agent is cross-linked with the polymer. The wetting agent may comprise acrylated hyaluronic acid (AHA) such as methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA). The wetting agent may also comprise a hyaluronic acid (HA). The wetting agent may include an unbonded portion that this releasable from the material. A contact lens may be made from the porous material.

Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymer and production process therefor and a process for selective treatment of poorly degradable and/or toxic compounds in liquids using the molecularly imprinted polymers. Such polymers and processes are required for selective removal and/or degradation of biological, poorly degradable pollutants or toxic compounds, for example from wastewaters. Consequently, a molecularly imprinted polymer suitable for the selective treatment of at least one poorly degradable and/or toxic compound is provided having a polymeric network which is made up of monomers and has cavities of predetermined size, wherein the cavities are arranged at predetermined spacings and have specific binding sites and/or patterns for the poorly degradable and/or toxic compounds.

Abstract: A foamed sheet of a base resin containing 50 to 100% by weight of a polylactic acid resin and having an apparent density of 63 to 630 kg/m3, a thickness of 0.5 to 7 mm and endothermic and exothermic calorific values of ?Hendo:2 and ?Hexo:2, respectively, as measured by heat flux differential scanning calorimetry at a heating rate of 2° C./min. The endothermic calorific value ?Hendo:2 is at least 10 J/g and the difference (?Hendo:2??Hexo:2) between the endothermic calorific value ?Hendo:2 and the exothermic calorific value ?Hexo:2 is less than 40 J/g. A foam molding such as a receptacle is prepared by thermoforming the foamed sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to e new environmentally friendly process in which cellular foamed polymer particles selected from the group consisting of cross-linked PVC rigid foam, polyurethane, polyester, polyether and polystyrene are recycled and reused in new extruded acoustics products together with other plastic components.

Abstract: There is presented a new flame retardant composition comprising a brominated aromatic composition and a butyl substituted phenyl phosphate.

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: A composition used for preparing foaming material comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a polylactic acid and a foaming agent, which posses certain tensile strength, elongation in break and expansion ratio as well as full bio-degradability, thus can be used in packaging industry.

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: Nerve regeneration devices are provided with improved rates of axonal regeneration, and methods for their manufacture are also disclosed. The devices are formed from a biocompatible, absorbable polymer, known as poly-4hydroxybutyrate. Growth factors, drugs, or cells that improve nerve regeneration may be incorporated into the devices. The devices are administered by implantation preferably without the use of sutures. In one aspect, the device is in the form of a wrap that can be used easily to capture the severed nerve bundle ends during surgery, and formed into a conduit in situ. If desired, the edges of the wrap can be melted together to seal the conduit, and hold it in place A major advantage of the device is that it does not need to be removed after use since it is slowly degraded and cleared by the patient's body, yet remains functional in situ beyond the time required for nerve regeneration, and helps exclude scar tissue.

Abstract: It is intended to provide polyhydroxyalkanoate resin foamed particles having a biodegradability and favorable properties, a molded article thereof and a method of producing these resin foamed particles. Namely, resin foamed particles obtained by foaming a copolymer (hereinafter referred to as poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate); abbreviated as P3HA), which is produced by a microorganism, has a weight-average molecular weight of from 50000 to 2000000 and has a repeating unit represented by the general formula (1): [—CHR—CH2—CO—O—] (wherein R represents an alkyl group represented by CnH2n+1 and n is an integer of from 1 to 15), a molded article formed by using these foamed particles and a method of producing these foamed particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomedical foam articles for the wound sector which are formed by spraying a polymeric dispersion onto a wound. The polymeric dispersion being sprayed onto a wound surface forms a three-dimensional body which conforms to the spatial shape of the wound and which, as well as covering the wound surface, ensures a complete and accurately fitted packing of the wound in the depth dimension as well as the other dimensions. The biomedical foam articles of the present invention are particularly useful for treating chronic wounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image receiver element comprising a single low density layer, wherein the single low density layer comprises non-crosslinked aliphatic polyester containing non-interconnected void space, and wherein the single low density layer does not absorb more than 3 weight % moisture at 80% RH and 21.3° C. as compared to the weight % moisture of said single low density layer at 20% RH and 21.3° C. The invention relates to a method of forming such an image receiver element, a printing system comprising an imaging material and the image receiver element, and a method of printing comprising obtaining an imaging material comprising a colorant layer; obtaining the image receiver element; superposing the colorant layer with the receiver element; and transferring colorant from the imaging material to the image receiver element.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of (meth)acrylic acid is disclosed that includes: (a) contacting a product gas containing (meth)acrylic acid obtained from a gas phase oxidation with an aqueous phase in a quenching unit to obtain an aqueous quenched phase, (b) distilling the quenched phase in a distillation unit to obtain a bottom product and a top product, and (c) crystallizing at least the bottom product in a crystallization unit to obtain pure (meth)acrylic acid. An organic separating agent can be added after the quenching unit, such as at the latest in the crystallization unit. Also disclosed are a device for the preparation of (meth)acrylic acid, a process for the preparation of a polymer from the (meth)acrylic acid, a device for the preparation of the polymer, a polymer obtainable by this process, and the use of the (meth)acrylic acid or the polymer in a chemical product, such as fibers or shaped articles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a die plate for a die block having a coat-hanger-shaped flow path for extruding a molten foamable thermoplastic resin in a form of a sheet. The die plate is for arrangement on a downstream side of the coat-hanger-shaped flow path to make a flow rate of the molten foamable thermoplastic resin uniform in a width direction. The die plate is provided with a multiplicity of delivery apertures. In the delivery apertures, the delivery apertures in opposite side regions have a diameter greater than a diameter which the delivery apertures in a center region have. A die unit composed of a die block, which has a multiple bifurcated manifold terminating in plural coat-hanger-shaped flow paths at downward ends thereof, and a like plural number of similar die plates as described above; a process for producing a wide thermoplastic resin foam by using the die unit; and the wide thermoplastic resin foam are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing an extruded foam of a poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) (P3HA) yielded from a microorganism. The foam has a high expansion ratio and a high open cell rate and is excellent in environmental compatibility and biodegradability. The process for producing an extruded P3HA resin foam comprises melt-kneading a P3HA together with a volatile foaming agent to produce a mixture and extruding the mixture through a molding die into a low-pressure region, and is characterized in that the resin temperature To at the time when the mixture of a P3HA and a volatile foaming agent is extruded from the extruder (resin temperature measured at the extruder ejection opening with a thermocouple) is in the range shown by the following relationship. Tc?20?To (° C.)?Tc+20 (Tc=(Tg+Tm)/2, wherein Tg represents the glass transition temperature of the P3HA and Tm represents the melting point of the P3HA.

Abstract: The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. In various embodiments, acrylated pre-polymers are co-polymerized with one or more acrylated co-polymers.

Abstract: A shape-memory polymer foam is disclosed, which is formed by kneading a shape-memory copolyester with a polymeric material having a relatively lower crystallinity in a weight ratio of 15:85 to 85:15 and then conducting a foaming process. The shape-memory copolyester is a random copolymer formed from a dicarboxylic acid mixture and a diol in excess through esterfication and polycondensation. The dicarboxylic acid mixture includes 30-99 mol % of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and 70-1 mol % of a straight aliphatic dicarboxylic acid of C4-C10. The diol includes a straight aliphatic diol of C2-C10.

Abstract: The present invention concerns method of preparing shape memory materials starting from standard thermoplastic polymers. The present invention further is concerned with products obtained by the methods in accordance with the present invention and the use of these products over a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, containing nano-graphite as a process additive for improving the physical properties of foam products.

Abstract: A cellulose acetate propionate film has a density ?e of entanglement points of a polymer chain of cellulose acetate propionate represented by the following expression (A) of from 0.3 to 2.0 moles/dm3: ?e=ER?/3RTR ??(A) wherein R represents a gas constant; ER? represents a storage elastic modulus in a rubbery state plateau upon measurement of a dynamic viscoelasticity; and TR represents a temperature in the rubbery state plateau.

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: Hydrogel microparticles with entrapped liquid are used as the porogen to reproducibly form interconnected pore networks in a porous scaffold. In one embodiment, a biodegradable unsaturated polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a porogen comprising biodegradable hydrogel microparticles are mixed together and allowed to form a porous scaffold in an mold or in a body cavity. Example biodegradable unsaturated polymers include poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(e-caprolactone-fumarate). The cosslinking agent may be a free radical initiator, or may include a free radical initiator and a monomer capable of addition polymerization. Example hydrogel microparticles include uncrosslinked or crosslinked collagen , an uncrosslinked or crosslinked collagen derivative, and an uncrosslinked or crosslinked synthetic biodegradable polymer such as oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate).

Abstract: Porous spherical particles of polyamide 11 or polyamide 12 can be produced by an industrially advantageous process which comprises the steps of mixing a polyamide solution of polyamide 11 or polyamide 12 dissolved in a phenol compound and a low molecular weight aliphatic alcohol which is a poor solvent for the polyamides but is well compatible with the phenol compound in the presence of a high molecular weight alkylene glycol to prepare a mixture solution having an initial viscosity of 10 mPa·s or more, and allowing the mixture solution to stand, to precipitate polyamide particles.

Abstract: A polymerization process to derive a thermal-stabilized poly(1,4-dioxan-2-one) and cyclic ester monomer copolymer using a coordination-insertion catalyst/initiator. 1,4-dioxan-2-one and cyclic ester monomer, each containing less than 100-ppm water and having an acid value less than 0.5 mg KOH/g, and preferably less than 0.2 mg KOH/g, are copolymerized. Preferably the cyclic ester monomer is ?-caprolactone and the reaction is in an extruder.

Abstract: A method for preparing a highly porous, high surface area degradable or partially degradable material. The method comprises the steps of mixing a degradable or partially degradable polymer with a mixed solvent comprising a first solvent and a second solvent, wherein the mixed solvent comprises a ratio higher than 1:1, first solvent to second solvent; gelling the mixture; and treating the gel under conditions whereby a substantially solvent free porous structure is created having a porosity greater than about 80%; wherein the material is mechanically strong and has a complex porous structure with nano fibrous architecture.

Abstract: The present patent describes a biocompatible composite made of a first fibrous layer attached to a three-dimensional inter-connected open cell porous foams that have a gradient in composition and/or microstructure through one or more directions. These composites can be made from blends of absorbable and biocompatible polymers. These biocompatible composites are particularly well suited to tissue engineering applications and can be designed to mimic tissue transition or interface zones.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for the formation of superporous hydrogels using an ion-equilibration technique. Anionic polysaccharides are included in the hydrogel reaction mixture and cations are introduced either during or after hydrogel formation. Properties of the resulting hydrogel can be subsequently adjusted by treating the cation-complexed gel with a different cation or cation mixture under equilibrating conditions. It has been found that by properly adjusting the cations and the sequence in which they are used in the equilibration process, superporous hydrogels can be formed that are highly absorbent while maintaining favorable structural properties, including strength, ruggedness, and resiliency. It has also been found that applying appropriate dehydration conditions to them after their formation can further stabilize the superporous hydrogels formed by the method of the invention.

Abstract: Devices and processes (e.g., improved Plasticized Melt Flow processes (PMF) or improved Phase Separation Polymer Concentration (PSPC), etc.) used to make resorbable and non-resorbable structures for treating and/or healing of tissue defects are disclosed. Among the advantages of using these improved processes are the preservation of molecular weight and the broadening of the processing conditions for temperature sensitive polymers and therapies This reduction in processing temperature, pressure and time can help to preserve the molecular weight and/or integrity of the final product or any additive incorporated therein. The present invention relates to an improved porous implant wherein the pores of the implant present a second modeling material on their surfaces. This second material provides a textured or roughened face to the internal surfaces of pores.

Abstract: Hydrogels having improved elasticity and mechanical strength properties are obtained by subjecting a hydrogel formulation containing a strengthening agent to chemical or physical crosslinking conditions subsequent to initial gel formation. Superporous hydrogels having improved elasticity and mechanical strength properties are similarly obtained whenever the hydrogel formulation is provided with a foaming agent. Interpenetrating networks of polymer chains comprised of primary polymer(s) and strengthening polymer(s) are thereby formed. The primary polymer affords capillary-based water sorption properties while the strengthening polymer imparts significantly enhanced mechanical strength and elasticity to the hydrogel or superporous hydrogel. Suitable strengthening agents can be natural or synthetic polymers, polyelectrolytes, or neutral, hydrophilic polymers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described that provide three dimensional porous matrices as structural templates for cells. The porous matrices of the present invention have desirable mechanical properties suitable to a variety of applications, including platforms for in vitro cell cultivation, implants for tissue and organ engineering, and materials suitable for chromatography and filtration.

Abstract: Compositions, apparatus and methods of the present invention concern the manufacturing parts that remain strong and dimensionally stable after exposure to e-coat painting conditions. Such manufacturing includes providing a molding compound having about 55-65% by weight polyethylene terephthalate content, about 35-45% by weight filler content, and optionally about 1% by weight blowing agent content. When an injection molding machine is provided, the molding compound can be fed into the injection molding machine to form a raw part. The raw part can then be removed from the injection mold and quenched in a quenching bath to produce a hardened part. The hardened part can then be secured to a partially assembled vehicle. The hardened part, along with the rest of the partially assembled vehicle can then be electro-coated, painted, and baked to produce a final vehicle or sub-assembly thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing porous polymer materials by a combination of gas foaming and particulate leaching steps. The invention is also directed to porous polymer material prepared by the process, particularly having a characteristic interconnected pore structure, and to methods for using such porous polymer material, particularly for tissue engineering.

Abstract: A two step method for solid state polymerization of dry crystalline thermoplastic polymers to form polymers with superior mechanical properties, first by mechanically fluidizing dry crystalline thermoplastic polymer particles in the absence of oxygen by means of blades moving through the fluidized polymer particles at velocities sufficient to heat the particles to an incipient melt temperature and maintain the temperature until solid state polymerization provides the desired molecular weight and before chemical degradation of the polymer occurs; and second by immediately quenching by application of liquefied cryogenic gases directly to the surfaces of the polymer particles in amounts sufficient to cool the particles to temperatures lower than the glass transition temperature of the polymer before crystals in the polymer aggregate into large spherulites.

Abstract: A glazing adhesive product comprising a thermoplastic polyester material having trapped gas bubbles dispersed therein whereby the product has surface pores to provide a suction effect. Also provided is a method of installing/removing vehicle glazing.

Abstract: A method for forming microcellular foams that causes the material to expand uniaxially during the foaming process, and a method for forming objects from the foam. Liquid crystal polymers or polymers having a planar crystalline structure are saturated with a fluid, normally a gas such as carbon dioxide. The ambient conditions are changed such that the fluid is in a supersaturated state, and the material is brought to near its glass transition temperature to induce the formation of nonspherical elongated gas-filled cells. A process for making objects, such as transducer diaphragms, from microcellular foams includes the step of forming the objects prior to the foaming process.

Abstract: Flexible open-celled microcellular foams based on thermoplastic polymers are useful for fluid-absorbent hygiene articles.

Abstract: Foamed and expanded beads including a polyester-based resin containing at least 35 mole % of an aliphatic ester component. The foamed beads have a gel fraction of at least 5 % by weight and comprises at least one gel accelerating agent selected from fatty acids having 12-25 carbon atoms, metal salts of the fatty acids, esters of the fatty acids and amides of the fatty acids in an amount of 0.15-3 % by weight. A foam molding is obtained by heating the foamed and expanded beads in a mold.

Abstract: A method of making a biodegradable polymer composition including the steps of providing a first component being either one of a thermoplastic poly(hydroxy ester ether) or a synthetic, hydroxy-functional polymer and providing a second component being a natural polymer. The method includes the steps of mixing the first component and second component together to form a mixture, compounding the mixture, and pelletizing the compounded mixture to form pellets of a biodegradable polymer composition.

Abstract: A thermoplastic window covering article, and the method for making the same. The window covering article is formed of a closed cell foam of a thermoplastic strengthened with diatomaceous earth having less than about two percent moisture.

Abstract: A thermoplastic article, and the method for making the same. The article is formed of a closed cell foam thermoplastic or substantially solid thermoplastic strengthened with diatomaceous earth having less than about two percent moisture.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a new approach to form porous hydrogel materials by first creating gas pockets in the gel and then removing this gas. The removal of the gas creates a porous material, and the initial incorporation of sufficient gas allows one to create a material with an open, interconnected pore structure. Advantageous features of the resulting materials, in addition to their interconnected pore structure, may include that the pore structure is maintained over extended time periods and that the gels maintain a high mechanical integrity that allows seeding with cells and implantation without destruction or compression of the material.