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 fushion, 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 per cent and 20 percent .

Abstract: Rigid flame resistant polyurethane foams are made by reacting an aromatic polyisocyanate with a mixture of 25-75% oligoester and another isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing agent at an NCO index of less than 300. These foams which have an ASTM E-84 Class 1 rating are particularly useful in construction applications.

Abstract: A porous film comprises a polyolefin resin, a filler and a polyester obtained from a polybasic acid, a polyhydric alcohol and a monobasic acid having 14 to 22 carbon atoms and/or a monohydric alcohol having 12 to 22 carbon atoms or a polyester obtained from a polybasic acid and a monohydric alcohol, the film being obtained by melting and moulding and then stretching. It has a good permeability to moisture and impermeability to liquid, and is useful for a sanitary napkin.

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 weight utilizing standard commerical 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: Polyurethane/polyisocyanurate rigid foams having low thermal conductivity are prepared from isocyanate-terminated quasi-prepolymers prepared from polyester polyols derived from phthalic anhydride or from the transesterification of polyethylene terephthalate scrap.

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.

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

Abstract: Novel polylactide composition containing segments of poly(R-lactide) interlocked with segments of poly(S-lactide).

Abstract: An in situ foamable semi-organic composition, a half ester compound useful in such a composition and a foam prepared by reacting such an adduct are disclosed. A half ester adduct is prepared by reacting an anhydride and an unsaturated conjugated vinyl hydroxy compound and generally has the structureCH.sub.2 .dbd.CR--COO--R'--O--CO--Z--COOHwhere,R=H, CH.sub.3, CN, C.sub.6 H.sub.11 (CYCLOHEXYL),X (X=F, Cl, Br)R'=--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, --CXR--CXR--, --(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --).sub.n where n=1,2, . . . 8, andZ=--CH.dbd.CH--, phthalic, trimellitic, .alpha.-naphthoic, .beta.-naphthoic, substituted phthalic anhydrides of the structure ##STR1## wherein R"=Cl, F, Br, I, CH.sub.3, CN, CH.sub.3, C.sub.n H.sub.2n+2. The foamable semi-organic composition, in addition to the half ester adduct, includes a fluorocarbon blowing agent and an initiator.

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

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

Abstract: A propellant is mixed with unsaturated polyester inside a first space (A) at a first pressure, for example at the atmospheric pressure. The polyester is then sprayed on the whole or parts of an open or exposed mould which is applied in a low-pressure chamber having a powerful negative pressure of 60-95% vacuum. In order to spray a first layer, polyester having a first amount of propellant is sprayed on the mould. At the initiation the propellant causes a powerful foaming effect at which bubbles are created and/or expanded in the polyester. In order to spray a second layer, which can be applied before or after the first layer, polyester having a second amount of propellant, or is without propellant, is sprayed on the mould, which causes fewer bubbles or no bubbles at all. The resulting polyester which comprises formed and expanded bubbles is bound (is allowed to tack rigid shape/is polymerized) by the use of a short tack-free time in the low pressure, said short time being preferably 5-10 minutes.

Abstract: Liquid, solventless, complex polymeric compositions are provided which thermoset at ambient temperatures through addition polymerization. In a preferred embodiment, a two component system includes a first component comprising amine or acrylate terminated polyurethanes, polyurethane-ureas or polyureas and a second component comprising di or polyacrylates. By adding an excess of acrylate, a one component system can be formed which thermosets when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

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

Abstract: Novel polylactide composition containing segments of poly(R-lactide) interlocked with segments of poly(S-lactide).

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

Abstract: An in situ foamable semi-organic composition, a half ester compound useful in such a composition and a foam prepared by reacting such an adduct are disclosed. A half ester adduct is prepared by reacting an anhydride and an unsaturated conjugated vinyl hydroxy compound and generally has the structureCH.sub.2 .dbd.CR--COO--R'--O--CO--Z--COOHwhere,R=H, CH.sub.3, CN, C.sub.6 H.sub.11 (CYCLOHEXYL), X (X=F, Cl, Br)R'=--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, --CXR--CXR--, --(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --).sub.n where n=1,2, . . . 8, andZ=--CH.dbd.CH--, phthalic, trimellitic, .alpha.-naphthoic, .beta.-naphthoic, substituted phthalic anydrides of the structure ##STR1## wherein R"=Cl, F, Br, I, CH.sub.3, CN, CH.sub.3, C.sub.n H.sub.2n+2. The foamable semi-organic composition, in addition to the half ester adduct, includes a fluorocarbon blowing agent and an initiator.

Abstract: Polylactones blended with a polyether and then shaped are leached with aqueous solution of an organic solvent such as alcohol or acetone to elute selectively the polyether and form interconnected pores within the shaped polylactone. The result is a shaped article suitable for use a reservoir for the controlled release of high molecular weight drugs.

Abstract: A process for the production of plastic foam material includes forming a liquid mixture by mixing an unsaturated resin, a catalyst operable to cause curing of the unsaturated resin, a promoter operable to activate the catalyst, a gas-releasing salt, and an acid operable to cause the release of gas from the salt so that the liquid mixture foams and cures by gelling and subsequent hardening. Included in the mixture is a volatile liquid gas-release control agent which volatilizes during curing to maintain gas release passages open in the foam and thereby permit release of gases from the foam during hardening after gellation at least until the foam is structurally stable.

Abstract: Composite materials useful as hard tissue prosthetics comprising synthetic biodegradable polymers and unsintered calcium phosphate biomaterials optionally porositized by pore-forming agents are described. The composite materials may be ground and blended with a compatible water soluble pore-forming agent and then molded to form dense, shaped objects which may be made porous by leaching out said water soluble pore-forming agent. The composites may be used as hard tissue prosthetics either alone or in conjunction with conventional prostheses.

Abstract: A composition for foaming polyester which includes a carbonate or bicarbonate salt and water intermixed with a finely divided solid free flow agent such a synthetic amorphous silica. The free flow agent is added in an amount sufficient to absorb all of the water and render the composition a free flowing powder. The composition is readily mixable with an unsaturated polyester resin media. A source of acid in the mixture liberates gas from the carbonate or bicarbonate, and good foam structures having small uniform cells are obtained.

Abstract: A pressure-resistant buoyancy material, comprising pressure-resistant hollow elements, a syntactic foam, and an empty space intervening between the pressure-resistant hollow elements and the syntactic foam, communicating with the outside of the buoyancy material. The pressure-resistant hollow elements are retained in a freely movable state in the empty space.

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

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

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

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium borohydrides of the formula ##STR1##wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be the same or different and each is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl and aralkyl groups and R.sup.4 is selected from alkyl and alkenyl groups having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, with the proviso that R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are not all alkyl or that R.sup.1, R.sup.2 or R.sup.3 is not benzyl when the remainder of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are all methyl or ethyl. The new borohydrides are prepared by either mixing a borohydride salt and a quaternary ammonium salt in alkaline aqueous solution and extracting the resulting quaternary amine borohydride with an organic solvent or by reacting finely divided borohydride salt with an organic solution of quaternary ammonium salt. The new compounds are used for foaming polyester resins.

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

Abstract: A method for producing low density polyester foam includes heating the resin to a temperature in the range of from 80.degree. to 140.degree. F., combining the resin with a blowing agent such as a sulfonyl hydrazide, combining the resulting admixture with a catalyst, and depositing the catalyzed resin on a surface. The density of the resulting foam can be decreased by incorporating a flourinated hydrocarbon into the resin.

Abstract: A process for producing a film-like or fibrous structure of an aromatic polyester, which comprises(1) forming an unstretched film-like or fibrous structure by melt-shaping a blend comprising 100 parts by weight of (A) an aromatic polyester having a high degree of polymerization derived from an aromatic dicarboxylic acid as a main acid component and an aliphatic diol and/or an alicyclic diol as a main glycol component and (B) 3 to 300 parts by weight of a low-molecular-weight compound being substantially non-reactive with the aromatic polyester (A) and having a boiling point of at least about 200.degree. C.

Abstract: The process for obtaining fiber-reinforced foams suitable to be transformed nto reinforced solid cellular materials having a density lower than 0.7 kg/l, if inert fillers are not present, and lower than 1 kg/l if inert fillers are present as well, essentially by mechanical incorporation of gas or a mixture of gases into an unsaturated polyester resin containing conventional additives is described. As reinforcing materials synthetic, vegetable or mineral fibers having a maximum length of 3 mm are employed. The mixture of the resin with the fibers, and optionally with the inert fillers, is conveyed by at least one pump to a mechanical foaming device which introduces into the mixture gas in form of small bubbles, homogeneously and uniformly distributed therein.

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 this two-phase disposition is retained.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium borohydrides of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be the same or different and each is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl and aralkyl groups and R.sup.4 is selected from alkyl and alkenyl groups having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, with the proviso that R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are not all alkyl or that R.sup.1, R.sup.2 or R.sup.3 is not benzyl when the remainder of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are all methyl or ethyl. The new borohydrides are prepared by either mixing a borohydride salt and a quaternary ammonium salt in alkaline aqueous solution and extracting the resulting quaternary amine borohydride with an organic solvent or by reacting finely divided borohydride salt with an organic solution of quaternary ammonium salt. The new compounds are used for foaming polyester resins.

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: 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: There are provided heat-resistant, foamed, crystalline polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate foamed with a polycarbonate and subjected to crystallization annealing, which are particularly useful for forming light weight, ovenable food containers.

Abstract: A process for obtaining fiber-reinforced foams suitable to be transformed to reinforced solid cellular materials having a density lower than 0.7 kg/l, if inert fillers are not present, and lower than 1 kg/l if inert fillers are present as well, essentially by mechanical incorporation of gas or a mixture of gases into an unsaturated polyester resin containing conventional additives is described. As reinforcing materials synthetic, vegetable or mineral fibers having a maximum length of 3 mm are employed. The mixture of the resin with the fibers, and optionally with the inert fillers, is conveyed by at least one pump to a mechanical foaming device which introduces into the mixture gas in form of small bubbles, homogeneously and uniformly distributed therein.

Abstract: Compositions for producing unsaturated polyester foams comprising sodium borohydride for curing the composition in conjunction with an organic peroxide catalyst, and for producing hydrogen gas as the foaming agent. The compositions which are simple and safe to prepare produce high quality foams.

Abstract: High performance foams comprised of certain thermotropic liquid crystal polymers are provided. Such thermotropic liquid crystal polymers comprise not less than about 10 mole percent of recurring 6-oxy-2-naphthoyl moieties. The lightweight rigid foams exhibit a combination of excellent properties including enhanced mechanical properties such as high strength to weight ratio, high flame and thermal stability, and excellent solvent resistance. The foams fabricated from such polymers have significantly reduced anisotropy compared to unfoamed articles of the same polymers.

Abstract: High performance foams comprised of thermotropic liquid crystal polymers are provided. The lightweight rigid foams exhibit a combination of excellent properties including enhanced mechanical properties such as high strength to weight ratio, high flame and thermal stability, and excellent solvent resistance. The foams fabricated from such polymers have significantly reduced anisotropy compared to unfoamed polymers. The transverse mechanical properties are enhanced by foaming relative to the percentage density reduction due to the foaming. The physical properties of the foams are further enhanced by heat treatment as the core of foams of thermotropic liquid crystal polymers consists of highly oriented cell walls which can exhibit greater enhancement upon heat treatment than is exhibited by the core of the unfoamed polymer.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous, film-like or fibrous structure of an aromatic polyester, which comprises(1) forming a substantially non-oriented film-like or fibrous structure by melt-molding an aromatic polyester blend composed of(A) an aromatic polyester containing an aromatic dicarboxylic acid as a main acid component and an aliphatic diol and/or an alicyclic diol as a main glycol component, and(B) at least one low-molecular-weight compound selected from the group consisting of imide compounds and isocyanurate compounds being compatible, but substantially non-reactive, with the aromatic polyester and having a molecular weight of not more than 1,000,the amount of the low-molecular-weight compound being present in an amount of 10 to 300 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the aromatic polyester, and(2) extracting at least a major part of the low-molecular-weight compound from the resulting substantially non-oriented film-like or fibrous structure with an organic solvent which can dissolve the low-mo

Abstract: Foamed thermopolastic resin comprising poly (p-methylenebenzoate) suitable for structural foam injection molded parts.

Abstract: A wholly aromatic polyester composition comprising(a) 100 parts by weight of a wholly aromatic polyester containing as a main component at least one compound selected from the group consisting of aromatic dicarboxylic acids, aromatic dihydroxy compounds and aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids, and(b) from 5 to 300 parts by weight of a low-molecular-weight compound being substantially non-reactive with the wholly aromatic polyester and having a boiling point of at least about 200.degree. C. under atmospheric pressure and a molecular weight of not more than 1,000.The wholly aromatic polyester composition is produced advantageously by polycondensing in the molten state the polyester-forming starting mixture in the presence of the low-molecular-weight compound.A film-like or fibrous article of a wholly aromatic polyester may be produced by extracting the low-molecular-weight compound from a film-like or fibrous article of the wholly aromatic polyester composition.

Abstract: Foamed thermoplastic resin comprising poly(p-methylenebenzoate) suitable for structural foam injection molded parts.

Abstract: A foamable and simultaneously curable polyester composition is provided. The composition consists essentially of the following (all being in parts by weight):(a) 100 parts liquid unsaturated polyester resin,(b) 0.5 to 10 parts monosubstituted sulfonyl hydrazide having the formula RSO.sub.2 NHNH.sub.2, wherein R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.10 aralkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, or phenyl substituted with halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkoxy,(c) 0.1 to 5.0 parts of a promoter, said promoter consisting essentially of a mixture of organic heavy metal salt and organic alkali metal salt, wherein the heavy metal/alkali metal molar ratio is from 10/1 to 1/10.(d) 0 to 2 parts surfactant,(e) 0 to 250 parts of filler, and(f) 0.3 to 5 parts of a cross-linking initiating compound selected from organic peroxides and organic hydroperoxide.

Abstract: A process of producing a fibre-reinforced shaped article comprising extruding a composition comprising a settable fluid as a carrier for fibres at least 5 mm in length through a die so that relaxation of the fibres causes the extrudate to expand to form an open fibrous structure with randomly dispersed fibres as the extrudate leaves the die characterized in that the porous extrudate is compressed while the carrier is in a fluid condition into a shaped article. The process enables moulded articles to be formed having a random distribution of fibres the majority of which are at least 5 mm long.

Abstract: An expandable and curable polyester composition comprising a mixture of a liquid, ethylenically unsaturated polyester resin composition; a peroxide; an organometallic promotor; and a dialkyl or trialkyl hydrazine is disclosed. In addition, a method for forming said expanded and cured polyester resin composition, and the product formed in accordance with said method, an expanded and cured polyester resin composition, is taught.

Abstract: A foamable polyester resin composition is provided and a method for making the same. The composition comprises (a) a liquid unsaturated polyester resin, (b) an azocarboxylate, (c) an organic peroxide or hydroperoxide, (d) a proton donor, (e) a metal promoter, (f) optionally a surfactant, and (g) optionally a filler.

Abstract: Unsaturated polyester foams having fine and uniform cells are prepared at an atmospheric temperature from an admixture which comprises in combination a liquid unsaturated polyester resin, a hydrazide compound, a cobalt compound and a powdered inorganic compound selected from the group consisting of percarbonates, perborates and perphosphates.

Abstract: A filament of a thermoplastic synthetic polymer having a plurality of adjacent, separate discontinuous cavities is made by a process wherein a silicone oil and an inert gas or gas-forming substance are dispersed in a polymer melt, and the melt is extruded into a filament. The melt contains up to and including 1% by weight of the silicone oil, based on the weight of the melt, at the time it is extruded and up to and including 10% by weight of an inert gas.

Abstract: A fast molding foamable composition comprising a terpolymer of ethylene, 10 to 40 percent by weight of a softening monomer and 1.0 to 20 percent by weight carbon monoxide, a free radical crosslinking agent and a chemical blowing agent.