Abstract: Organic resins with high surface areas and porosities, which are insoluble in organic solvents and contain few or no flexible groups in the resin structure, are disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for making such resins from polyfunctional aryl alkali metal compounds and a second polyfunctional monomer. Such resins are useful as absorbants.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding composition suitable for the preparation of foam is disclosed. The composition comprises a thermoplastic resinous component and a foaming agent which includes A) (i) 0.01 to 4.8% alumina hydrate (aluminum hydroxide) in combination with (ii) 0.01 to 4.8% of an acidic additive or B) 0.01 to 4.8% of the reaction product of said (i) and said (ii), the percentages being relative to the weight of the composition to be foamed. The invention is based on the finding that the foaming of the composition does not lead to any significant reduction in molecular weight of the resinous component or to troublesome discoloration of the foam, even during its re-extrusion.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyesters, fibers and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products of the polyesters such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste compositing processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyester ingredients, such as polyethylene terephthalate, copolymerized with an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal 4-sulfophthalic acid derivative, and other ingredients, such as polyethylene ether glycols and/or non-aromatic diacids, such as adipic and glutaric acids.

Abstract: Improved microcellular and ultramicrocellular materials containing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) inflatants are disclosed. The inflatants are environmentally more favorable than fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a molded article of a foamed thermoplastic resin and articles produced thereby. A molten mass of an expandable thermoplastic resin is accumulated in an accumulator while it is prevented from foaming. A quantity of the accumulated foamable melt is extruded through a die orifice having a shape adapted to reflect the shape of the desire finished product. The extruded foamable melt commences foaming as it comes in contact with the atmosphere. As the extruded thermoplastic resin foams, it is pulled vertically downward from the die orifice by gravity. The downward-hanging, foamed, thermoplastic material is captured between the halves of a vertically-oriented mold before the foaming expansion of the foamable melt has been completed. The foamed thermoplastic material is compressed by the vertically-oriented mold into the desired shape.

Abstract: A degradable polymer network obtained by adding from 0.2 to 10 parts by weight of a foaming agent to 100 parts by weight of a polylactic acid-base resin composition comprising from 80 to 100% by weight of polylactic acid or a lactic acid-hydroxycarboxylic acid copolymer and from 0 to 20% by weight of a plasticizer, conducting melt-foaming extrusion of resulting mixture, and opening the foam cells in the extrudate. The high polymer network is characterized in suitable flexibility and hydrolyzability and thus useful as a material for absorbing of oils and body fluids, screens for sunlight, heat-insulating materials, filter media and packaging materials; and does not accumulate as industrial wastes because of hydrolyzability in the natural environment, even though abandoned after use.

Abstract: A process of producing a thermoplastic polyester series resin foamed material is disclosed, which comprises heating and further foaming a thermoplastic polyester resin foamed material having a crystallinity of not higher than 30% by bringing it into contact with water or steam of at least 60.degree. C. and then heating the foamed material by bringing it into contact with a heating medium other than water of at least 100.degree. C. to further foam the foamed material. A process of producing a thermoplastic polyester series resin foamed material is also disclosed, which comprises heating and further foaming a thermoplastic polyester series resin foamed material having a crystallinity of not higher than 30% by bringing it into contact with water or steam of at least 60.degree. C., heating and further foaming the foamed material by bringing it into contact with a heating medium other than water of at least 100.degree. C., and molding the foamed material by a mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to poly(ethylene terephthalate)("PET") polymer resins having high melt strength and advantageous non-Newtonian behavior; the resins can be foamed to produce closed cell structures with advantageous densities, cell sizes, cell size distributions, mechanical properties and thermal properties. More specifically, the PET resins of the present invention are highly branched due to the inclusion of one or more branching agents, and these resins can be advantageously used with environmentally friendly blowing agents.

Abstract: High molecular weight polyethyleneterephthalate resin is currently being used in vast quantities in manufacturing tire cord and in manufacturing trays for frozen foods which can be heated in either microwave or convection ovens. In some applications polyester resins having ultra-high molecular weights are required. For example, some techniques for producing polyester yarn by solution spinning demand ultra-high molecular weight polyester. Unfortunately, it becomes progressively more difficult and expensive to produce polyester resins having higher and higher molecular weights utilizing standard commercial polymerization techniques. This invention discloses a technique for preparing porous polyester beads which can be solid state polymerized very rapidly to ultra-high molecular weights.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate composite structures having integral crystalline skins on a foam of polyethylene terephthalate are described. The structures exhibit enhanced physical properties compared to polyethylene terephthalate foams. The structures are produced by a method that crystallizes a portion of the polyethylene terephthalate before foaming the uncrystallized portions of the structure.

Abstract: A degradable polymer network obtained by adding from 0.2 to 10 parts by weight of a foaming agent to 100 parts by weight of a polylactic acid-base resin composition comprising from 80 to 100% by weight of polylactic acid or a lactic acid-hydroxycarboxylic acid copolymer and from 0 to 20% by weight of a plasticizer, conducting melt-foaming extrusion of resulting mixture, and opening the foam cells in the extrudate. The high polymer network is characterized in suitable flexibility and hydrolyzability and thus useful as a material for absorbing oils and body fluids, screens for sunlight, heat-insulating materials, filter media and packaging materials; and does not accumulate as industrial wastes because of hydrolyzability in the natural environment, even though abandoned after use.

Abstract: Environmentally benign closed cell compositions made by foaming star-shaped polymers with a plurality of poly(hydroxy acid) chains attached to a central polyfunctional compound having a plurality of hydroxyl and/or amino groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bimodal, insulative, styrenic polymer foam structure comprising a foam of a styrene polymer material of greater than 50 percent by weight of styrenic monomeric units, the foam having relatively larger primary cells with a cell size range of 0.05 to 1.2 millimeters and relatively smaller secondary cells ranging in cell size from about 5 percent to about 50 percent of the average cell size of the primary cells. The primary and secondary cells constitute at least about 90 percent of the total cell volume within the foam structure. The bimodal structure has an amount of carbon black sufficient to reduce the thermal conductivity of the structure below that of a corresponding bimodal structure without carbon black. Further disclosed is a process for making the foam structure.

Abstract: A flexible foamed liquid crystal polymer film or sheet having uniformly small cells or bubbles. The foam cells are essentially spherical and have mean diameters less than or equal to approximately 250 microns. The cell size distribution is relatively small. The foamed sheet is made by extruding the polymer through a die under pressure at a temperature near or below the polymer's melting point; a gas or chemical blowing agent is extruded with the polymer to produce foaming as the polymer exits the die.

Abstract: The odor of blends of polyphenylene ether resin, alone, or in combination with a polystyrene resin or a high impact polystyrene is improved by including a carboxylic acid, and acid anhydride or mixture thereof in the compositions.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate composite structures having integral crystalline skins on a foam of polyethylene terephthalate are described. The structures exhibit enhanced physical properties compared to polyethylene terephthalate foams. The structures are produced by a method that crystallizes a portion of the polyethylene terephthalate before foaming the uncrystallized portions of the structure.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyesters, fibers and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products of the polyesters such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste composting processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyethylene terphthalate copolymerized with a cycloaliphatic diacid, preferably hexahydroterephthalic acid, and containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyesters, fibers and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products of the polyesters such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste composting processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyethylene terephthalate copolymerized with a non-aromatic diacid, such as adipic and glutaric acids, and containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative.

Abstract: An isocyanate-terminated quasi-prepolymer is prepared by reacting an organic polyisocyanate and a polyester polyol which comprises the reaction product of a polycarboxylic acid component and ethylene glycol or a mixture of ethylene glycol and at least one other glycol. The use of the quasi-prepolymer in the preparation of rigid cellular polymers, especially polyisocyanurate foams, enhances the thermal insulating properties of the foams, and helps to reduce their cost and blowing agent usage.

Abstract: A process for forming polymer powders by dissolving one or more polymers in a suitable solvent, followed by atomizing the solution into a droplet atmosphere of a non-solvent to precipitate polymer particles. The particles are separated from the non-solvent, washed and dried to produce a powder with a rounded particle morphology, high internal porosity and surface area, and high apparent density.Polymer powders with these properties can be pressed to dense shaped articles suitable for sintering in automated presses because the powders have good low and compressibility characteristics. The process if particularly useful when applied to soluble polymners that are not readily shaped by melt processing means.

Abstract: An improved method of using polymer compositions to produce foamed plastics, wherein a major, auxiliary source of blowing agent for the foam is the decomposition of dialkyl dicarbonates. The dialkyl dicarbonates can be decomposed over temperatures ranging from about 10.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C. when used in combination with particular tertiary amine decomposition catalysts. Enhanced production of carbon dioxide is obtained by the addition of water.

Abstract: Closed cell rigid polyhydroxy acid resin compositions foamed with environmentally benign, which compositions are degradable and cause minimal environmental impact when discarded.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyester series foamed material having a thickness of at least 3 mm and an apparent density of from 0.05 to 0.7 g/cm.sup.3 is disclosed, wherein the crystallinity of the resin in the surface portion within 0.5 mm from the surface of the foamed material is not more than 30% and at least 1% lower than the crystallinity of the resin in the central portion of the foamed material.

Abstract: The water resistance of intumescent compositions is improved if the composition comprises at least one organotin derivative of a polyol. Organotin derivatives of polyols can be produced by reacting polyol with dialkyltin oxide or with dialkyltin dialkoxide.

Abstract: A process of producing a thermoplastic polyester series resin foamed material is disclosed, which comprises heating and further foaming a thermoplastic polyester resin foamed material having a crystallinity of not higher than 30% by bringing into contact with water or steam of at least 60.degree. C. and then heating the foamed material by bringing into contact with a heating medium other than water of at least 100.degree. C. to further foaming the foamed material. A process of producing a thermoplastic polyester series resin foamed material is also disclosed, which comprises heating and further foaming a thermoplastic polyester series resin foamed material having a crystallinity of not higher than 30% by bringing into contact with water to steam of at least 60.degree. C., heating and further foaming the foamed material by bringing into contact with a heating medium other than water of at least 100.degree. C., and molding the foamed material by a mold.

Abstract: There is described a process for producing polyester foam fiber where sodium carbonate and citric acid are added as blowing agent before spinning together with polycarbonate. The proportion of blowing agent is from 0.15 to 0.80 percent by weight of the polyester and the proportion of polycarbonate is from 0.5 to 2 percent by weight of the polyester. The process of the invention makes it possible to produce foam fiber, i.e. filament or staple fiber with discontinuous voids, which may be used for example as carpet fiber and filling fiber for blankets and cushions or as a lining material for winter clothing.

Abstract: A leather-like thermoplastic polyester series resin sheet is disclosed, comprising a uniformly and finely formed sheet comprising a thermoplastic polyester series resin, wherein said foamed sheet has cells having a diameter of substantially not longer than 1 mm, the cell walls thereof have a thickness of substantially not thicker than 100 .mu.m, and the cell wall constructing each cell extends with irregular bending so as to make a flexibility of not more than 20,000 mg in the Gurley flexibility test. A process for production of the leather-like thermoplastic polyester series resin sheet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of using blowing agent compositions to produce foamed plastics such as polyurethanes, polyesters and the like, wherein a major auxiliary source of blowing agent for the foam is the decomposition of dialkyl dicarbonates. The dialkyl dicarbonates can be decomposed over temperatures ranging from about 10.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C. when used in combination with particular tertiary amine decomposition catalysts.

Abstract: Foams of density 0.1 to 1.0 g/cm.sup.3 based on aromatic polyether ketones and other thermoplastic polymers having a high melting point are obtained by melting an intimate mixture of the polymer and from 0.5 to 10% by weight of an aliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acid or polycarboxylic acid which suffers a weight loss of 50% or more with elimination of gaseous decomposition products on heating to from 130 to 300.degree. C., and simultaneously cooling and molding the melt.

Abstract: A process for producing an article of a synthetic resin material or a thermoplastic resin blend having a microcellular structure comprises dispersing in a solid thermoplastic resin matrix having hydrophilic functional groups a finely divided water-soluble material, shaping the resin matrix containing the water-soluble material into the desired article, and immersing the shaped article in water at a suitable temperature to cause the resin matrix to swell to an extent of at least about 50% by volume while wet. The immersion causes water to diffuse into the resin matrix and solvate the water-soluble material, which becomes encased in water-filled cells that have solid walls, are substantially closed, and do not form an interconnecting porous network.Articles made by this process include, among others, vascular grafts and organoids.

Abstract: Polyester polyols are prepared by reacting a multifunctional adduct (e.g., maleic anhydride (MA)) and tall oil fatty acid, (TOFA), and then esterifying/transesterifying the MA/TOFA reaction product with an excess of aromatic polyester polyols (preferably such polyols are produced from dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) process residue and polyhydric alcohols). The polyester polyols may be used in the manufacture of rigid polyurethane (PUR) and rigid urethane-modified polyisocyanurate (PUR/PIR) foams.

Abstract: Expanded material obtained by heating a composition comprising at least one hermosetting nadimide resin, said heating being performed at a temperature and during a period which are sufficient to cause the expansion of said composition by release of cyclopentadiene. A nadimide resin of the polyimide type and having a number average molecular weight of 600 to 10,000 is preferably used. The composition further comprises preferably 1% to 50% by weight of a linear, preferably thermostable polymer.

Abstract: Moldable shrunken foam beads comprising a foamable thermoplastic polymer, preferably a silane-crosslinked polyolefin foam, are produced by mixing a composition comprising a silane-modified polyolefin (such as a silane-grafted polyethylene) and a silanol condensation catalyst in an extruder to produce a melt, then projecting a blowing agent into the melt at a rate effective to produce a desired foam density in the extrudate; extruding and cutting the melt to form foam beads; allowing the beads to shrink; and exposing the foam beads to moisture to produce silane crosslinking of the polyolefin foam. In certain other embodiments the crosslinking of the thermoplastic polymer can be omitted, and/or shrinkage of the beads produced by vacuum treatment.

Abstract: A foamed thermoplastic elastomer having a substantially uniform closed cell structure and having a specific gravity of less than about 0l.40, an energy return ratio greater than about 0.50 when compressed and released said foam being prepared from a thermoplastic multi-block copolymer elastomer having a Shore D hardness of 25-75.

Abstract: Organic resins with high surface areas and porosities, which are insoluble in organic solvents and contain few or no flexible groups in the resin structure, are disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for making such resins from polyfunctional aryl alkali metal compounds and a second polyfunctional monomer. Such resins are useful as absorbants.

Abstract: A method of making polyetherimide foam precursors and flexible polyetherimide foams having improved specific tensile strength, resistance to high temperatures and flame, low density and flexibility at both high and cryogenic temperatures. 4,4'-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) is reacted with an alcohol to produce a diester, which is then reacted with a suitable monomeric polyamine such as meta phenylene diamine to produce a precursor. This material is dried to a solid block or powder. Upon heating, foaming occurs, resulting in a fine celled white friable mass. The foam is cured by heating for a suitable period and is ready for use.

Abstract: A curable polyester composition having improved properties is described, and the curable polyester composition comprises:(A) at least one unsaturated polyester resin;(B) at least one hydrocarbon monomer copolymerizable with the polyester; and(C) at least one aryl sulfonamide-aldehyde resin.When the curable polyester composition is to be used as a plastic body filler, the curable polyester composition generally will be modified to include (D) at least one inorganic filler which may comprise a mixture of an inorganic powder and inorganic hollow microspheres.The curable polyester resin compositions of the invention are useful as plastic body fillers for repairing metal surfaces, and the curable compositions have been found to be particularly useful and advantageous as plastic body fillers for galvanized steel.

Abstract: High molecular weight polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, are sometimes produced from low molecular weight polyester prepolymers having the same composition by solid state polymerization. The low molecular weight polyester prepolymers which are used in such solid state polymerizations are normally prepared by conventional melt polymerizations and are generally in the form of pellets or chips. Solid state polymerization rates can be greatly improved by utilizing polyester prepolymers which are in the form of porous pills. By utilizing polyester prepolymers that are in the form of porous pills, higher molecular weights can be achieved after shorter solid state polymerization times.This invention relates to an improved process for solid state polymerizing porous pills which are made by compacting fine fibers of the polyester prepolymer.

Abstract: There is a growing demand for high molecular weight polyester resin. For instance, the market for high molecular weight polyethylene terephthalate resin is rapidly expanding. High molecular polyethylene terephthalate resin is currently being used in vast quantities in manufacturing bottles for carbonated beverages, trays for frozen foods which can be heated in either microwave ovens or convection ovens, and in tire cord. There is a growing trend toward higher molecular weights in many applications for such polyester resins. Unfortunately, it becomes progressively more difficult and expensive to produce polyester resins having higher and higher molecular weights utilizing standard commercial polymerization techniques. This invention discloses a technique by which polyester resin having extremely high molecular weight can be prepared utilizing a very rapid solid state polymerization process.

Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension has a thin high strength elastomeric membrane. The membrane is formed from block copolymer material by a process in which a sheet is extruded and tensioned to orient molecules in a select direction with respect to the membrane; the oriented membrane is annealed to retain the orientation during cyclical deformation of the membrane. The sheet form membrane is adapted to be connected with respect to a vehicle seat assembly frame and to serve as a backing for foam seating material and wherein the oriented structure of the membrane provides a two stage modulus in the direction of the orientation for providing static and dynamic load support characteristics which impart passenger comfort without increasing the weight of a seat assembly.

Abstract: A foamable composition comprises in admixture (a) a high molecular weight thermoplastic resin in particulate form and an effective amount of (b) a foaming agent therefor comprising a pumpable liquid dispersion comprising (i) a solid blowing agent, (ii) a liquid carrier, and, optionally, (iii) a thickener. The liquid dispersion can be pumped directly into the hopper of a foam molding machine eliminating the need to pre-mix pelletized concentrates of the solid blowing agent.

Abstract: In a process for the production of cellular products comprising thermoplastic or rubber materials the blowing agents employed have the formula: ##STR1## wherein A represents NHX, NRR' or ORX represents H or a lower alkyl group,R represents a lower alkyl group, andR' represents a lower alkyl group.The novel blowing agents provide high gas yields and have high decomposition temperatures while forming only inert nitrogen gas. They are particularly suitable for the production of cellular products from high temperature thermoplastic materials such as polycarbonates.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for producing polyethylene open-cell foam materials, comprising a process step of pressurized heating at a temperature of 110.degree. to 135.degree. C. of a base compound consisting of polyethylene or a copolymer of polyethylene which has been compounded with an azodicarbonamide foaming agent and a bridging agent, in order to obtain a primary intermediate product with a cubical expansion coefficient of 1.0 to 2.0 times; a process step of heating the primary intermediate product under normal atmospheric pressure at a temperature of 150.degree..about.190.degree. C.

Abstract: A dye-containing porous plastic element, comprising a plastic body having interconnected capillary passageways, and a dry, water-soluble dye located within the passageways. The passageways extend to at least one surface of the body, and the size of the passageways are such that the body, when contacted with water, can absorb the water to wet the dye and make it soluble. The plastic body comprises fused granules of plastic interspersed with dry granules of dye. The plastic granules may have a diameter, prior to fusion, of between about 50 and 800 microns, preferably between about 100 and 300 microns. The dry dye comprises between about 5 percent and 35 percent of the element, by weight, and preferably between about 10 percent and 20 percent.

Abstract: A low density extruded structural foam of closed cell structure having good compressive strength comprising a engineered thermoplastic resin, alone, or containing a flame retarding agent and/or nucleating agent, optionally combined with a vinyl aromatic resin, and a blowing agent is produced by feeding said resin, or composition, into a primary extruder wherein mixing, adding a blowing agent which is essentially insoluble in the resin at room temperature but soluble in the melt and further mixing, then optionally passing the mixture to a second, cooling extruder, passing said extruded mixture through a die, then expanding and foaming said composition into a foam article.

Abstract: A Chemical Blowing Agent (CBA) concentrate was developed comprising a modifying agent and a chemical blowing agent. The CBA is characterized in that its decomposition products contain a primary amine. The modifying agent is a blend of a maleic anhydride copolymer and a butadiene based rubber. It was surprisingly found that resin degradation which often accompanies foam moldings using a CBA of the present type and is expressed in terms of a reduction in the molecular weight of the resin, is much reduced upon the incorporation of the modifying agent and chemical blowing agent of the invention. The concentrate may optionally further comprise a polymeric resin component.

Abstract: High molecular weight polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, are sometimes produced from low molecular weight polyester prepolymers having the same composition by solid state polymerization. The low molecular weight polyester prepolymers which are used in such solid state polymerizations are normally prepared by conventional melt polymerizations and are generally in the form of pellets or chips. Solid state polymerization rates can be greatly improved by utilizing polyester prepolymers which are in the form of porous pills. By utilizing polyester prepolymers that are in the form of porous pills, higher molecular weights can be achieved after shorter solid state polymerization times.This invention relates to an improved process for solid state polymerizing porous pills which are made by compacting fine fibers of the polyester prepolymer.

Abstract: Shaped articles are provided containing a polymer which is capable of exhibiting anisotropy in the melt characterized in that the ratio of the stiffness in any two directions at right angles in the shaped article differs by at least 10%, and preferably by at least 50%, from the ratio in the same two directions for a control sample made from a melt consisting entirely of the polymer in anisotropic form.These may be obtained by a variety of methods including disturbing the normal flow pattern of flow into a mould by including obstacles to flow in the mould, disturbing the pattern of flow by foaming in the mould, by including fillers or by using polymers capable of existing as a bi-phase anisotropic and isotropic melt and forming shaped articles in which the two-phase disposition is retained.

Abstract: A Chemical Blowing Agent (CBA) concentrate was developed comprising a modifying agent and a chemical blowing agent. The CBA is characterized in that its decomposition products contain a primary amine. The modifying agent is a blend of a maleic anhydride copolymer and a butadiene based rubber. It was surprisingly found that resin degradation which often accompanies foam moldings using a CBA of the present type and is expressed in terms of a reduction in the molecular weight of the resin, is much reduced upon the incorporation of the modifying agent and chemical blowing agent of the invention. The concentrate may optionally further comprise a polymeric resin component.

Abstract: The labor costs associated with manufacturing wooden articles often represent a substantial portion of the total cost of producing the wooden article. This invention discloses a polymeric composition which can be easily molded into articles which have physical properties which are very similar to those of wood. By utilizing the polymeric composition and techniques of this invention, it is possible to manufacture a wide variety of wood-like articles by molding at reduced costs. This invention specifically reveals a polymeric composition which can be molded into articles having wood-like physical properties which is comprised of (1) from about 80 to about 99 weight percent polyethylene terephthalate, (2) from about 1 to about 20 weight percent of a polycarbonate, and (3) from about 0.3 to about 2 weight percent of 5-phenyltetrazole. These polymeric compositions can be prepared utilizing scrap polyethylene terephthalate, such as recycled polyethylene terephthalate beverage bottles.