Abstract: Process for making polyisocyanate based xerogels by trimerisation of an organic polyisocyanate in an organic solvent in the presence of a (co)polymer containing an isocyanate-reactive group, gellation and drying of the obtained sol-gel.

Abstract: Super-absorbing polymeric networks of crosslinked polyaspartates are produced from crosslinked polysuccinimide. Super-absorbing polymeric networks are produced in a single reaction vessel by crosslinking polysuccinimide with at least one organic polyamine crosslinking agent in the presence of at least one nitrogenous base. The reaction is carried out in an aqueous reaction mixture to produce a polymeric network of crosslinked polyaspartate.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of producing super-absorbing polymeric networks of polyaspartates from crosslinked polysuccinimide. In one preferred aspect, polysuccinimide is first reacted with an organic crosslinking agent, preferably an organic base containing at least two primary amine groups, to form a gelled crosslinked polysuccinimide. The gelled crosslinked polysuccinimide is then base hydrolyzed to a gelled polymeric network of polyaspartate and deswollen with at least one liquid alcohol to a polymeric network of polyaspartate which demonstrates super-absorbing capability in water and in electrolyte solution. Super-absorbing polymeric networks of polyaspartates can also be produced in a single reaction vessel by sequentially crosslinking a polysuccinimide with an organic crosslinking agent in an aqueous reaction medium, optionally containing a mineral acid, and then hydrolyzing the crosslinked polysuccinimide to produce a polymeric network of polyaspartate.

Abstract: Superabsorbent fiber and film compositions comprising partially acidified, hydrolyzed, internally plasticized, crosslinked, superabsorbing fibers or film derived from polysuccinimide and processes for preparing same.

Abstract: A shaped article composed of an aromatic polyimide has a hollow, essentially spherical structure and a particle size of about 100 to about 1500 .mu.m, a density of about 1 to about 6 pounds/ft.sup.3 and a volume change of 1 to about 20% by a pressure treatment of 30 psi for 10 minutes at room temperature. A syntactic foam, made of a multiplicity of the shaped articles which are bounded together by a matrix resin to form an integral composite structure, has a density of about 3 to about 30 pounds/ft.sup.3 and a compression strength of about 100 to about 1400 pounds/in.sup.2.

Abstract: The present application relates to a process for the preparation of porous, hydrophilic, highly swellable hydrogels, which comprises freeze-drying hydrophilic, highly swellable hydrogels which have been swollen with water.

Abstract: Composite materials made wholly from aromatic polyamides are prepared, which have the advantage of better performance and less delamination than composites composed of chemically distinct components. The foam matrix for such composites is prepared using N,N'-dialkylated aromatic polyamide. Both fiber reinforced foam structural forms and foam/felt laminates are prepared.

Abstract: Polymethacrylimide foams are prepared by a method, comprising:preparing a mixture consisting of(a) a monomer mixture of 40-60 wt. % methacrylonitrile, 60-40 wt. % methacrylic acid, and, optionally, up to 20 wt. %, based on the sum of methacrylic acid and methacrylonitrile, of other monofunctional, vinyl-unsaturated monomers,(b) 0.5-8 wt. % of a propellant mixture of formamide or monomethyl formamide and a univalent C.sub.3-8 -aliphatic alcohol,(c) a cross-linking agent system, which consists of(c.1) 0.005-5 wt. % of a vinyl-unsaturated compound which can be radically polymerized, with at least two double bonds in the molecule, and(c.2) 1-5 wt. % magnesium oxide, dissolved in the monomer mixture, and at least one radical initiators and optionally at least one additive, shaped in the form of a sheet;polymerizing the monomers in the sheet;subsequently foaming the polymerizate sheet at temperatures from 200-260.degree. C.; and thenheat treating the sheet in two steps, at a first step of 2-6 hours at 100-130.

Abstract: A lightweight open celled foam, having a density no greater than 6 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) and a ratio of imide to amide groups greater than 1 to 1 and no greater than 19 to 1, is the reaction product made from an organic polyisocyanate having at least two functional groups per molecule and a mixture of a difunctional acid and a difunctional anhydride in the presence of a tertiary amine catalyst and a nonionic, organic surfactant having a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) of at least 12, with the reactants generating carbon dioxide during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A lightweight open celled foam, having a density no greater than 0.5 pounds per cubic foot (pcf), preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 pcf, and a ratio of imide to amide groups greater than 1 to 1 and no greater than 19 to 1, is the reaction product made from an organic polyisocyanate having at least two functional groups per molecule and a mixture of a difunctional acid and a difunctional anhydride in the presence of a tertiary amine catalyst and a surfactant, with the reactants generating carbon dioxide during the manufacturing process. The reaction is interrupted when the amount of carbon dioxide generated from the reactants is from about 1% to about 8% by weight of the total mass of the reactants. The reaction mass is transferred after the interruption step to a second stage to complete the generation of carbon dioxide and the formation of the low density foam product.

Abstract: Highly uniform microporous foam suitable for medical applications and methods for preparing these foams. The highly uniform microporous foams are of controlled pore size that may be utilized in a variety of applications. In preparing the foams, an organic crystalline polymer is melted and combined with a selected solid crystalline fugitive compound to produce a substantially isotropic solution. The solution is cooled under controlled conditions, which foster solid-solid phase separation by the simultaneous crystallization of the fugitive compound and the polymer, to produce a foam precursor containing the solidified fugitive compound dispersed through a matrix of the organic polymer. Crystals of fugitive compound are then removed by solvent extraction and/or sublimation, or like process to produce microcellular foams having a continuous, open-cell structure.

Abstract: A process for preparing superabsorbing crosslinked polyaspartate salt by reacting crosslinked polysuccinimide having a weight average molecular weight of at least 20,000 Daltons with neat base or aqueous base wherein the ratio of water to crosslinked polysuccinimide is zero or positive up to about 10, preferably about 3.3. The resulting salt is either a solid or paste.

Abstract: A method of providing for manufacturing a colored polymer resin having the steps of:(a) blending a disazo colorant into a mixture of monomers, the colorant having a poly(oxyalkylene) substituent comprising from 2 to 200 alkylene oxide residues, bonded to each end of the disazo chromophore, the poly(oxyalkylene) substituent having a nucleophilic terminal group which is capable of reacting with at least a portion of the monomers;(b) providing conditions under which the monomers and disazo colorant polymerize to form a colored polymer resin.

Abstract: A method of preparing superabsorbent polymer as crosslinked polyaspartate salt by reacting polysuccinimide dissolved in organic solvent with crosslinker and reacting the polysuccinimide in situ with neat or a solution of alkali metal hydroxide to form the crosslinked salt.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of producing super absorbing polymeric networks of polyaspartates from crosslinked polysuccinimide. In one preferred method aspect, polysuccinimide is first reacted with an organic crosslinking agent, preferably an organic base containing at least two primary amine groups to form crosslinked polysuccinimide. The crosslinked polysuccinimide is then hydrolyzed to a polymeric network of polyaspartate which demonstrates super absorbing capability in water and in saline solution. Alternative method aspects are disclosed in which super absorbing polymeric networks of polyaspartates are produced in a single reaction vessel by sequentially crosslinking polysuccinimide with organic crosslinking agent in an aqueous reaction mixture and then hydrolyzing the reaction product to produce a polymeric network of polyaspartate.

Abstract: Highly uniform microporous foam suitable for medical applications and methods for preparing these foams. The highly uniform microporous foams are of controlled pore size that may be utilized in a variety of applications. In preparing the foams, an organic crystalline polymer is melted and combined with a selected solid crystalline fugitive compound to produce a substantially isotropic solution. The solution is cooled under controlled conditions, which foster solid--solid phase separation by the simultaneous crystallization of the fugitive compound and the polymer, to produce a foam precursor containing the solidified fugitive compound dispersed through a matrix of the organic polymer. Crystals of fugitive compound are then removed by solvent extraction and/or sublimation, or like process to produce microcellular foams having a continuous, open-cell structure.

Abstract: An amino-acrylate polymer is prepared by the reaction of an aliphatic hydroxyl polyacrylate monomer, like pentaerythritol triacrylate, with a polyamine like a hexyldiamine to provide a rigid fast gelling and curing polymer, which polymer may be modified with resin modifiers. The amino-acrylate polymer may be used in the preparation of composite structures with fibers and filler materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming a foamed elastomeric polymer. The process involves forming a reverse emulsion of liquid droplets in a continuous liquid phase of polymer precursor and then polymerizing the precursor to entrap uniformly distributed droplets of the liquid in pores formed in the polymer bulk. The liquid in the pores is then removed under supercritical conditions.

Abstract: A lightweight open celled foam, having a density no greater than 0.5 pounds per cubic foot (pcf), preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 pcf, and a ratio of imide to amide groups greater than 1 to 1 and no greater than 19 to 1, is the reaction product made from an organic polyisocyanate having at least two functional groups per molecule and a mixture of a difunctional acid and a difunctional anhydride in the presence of a tertiary amine catalyst and a surfactant, with the reactants generating carbon dioxide during the manufacturing process. The reaction is interrupted when the amount of carbon dioxide generated from the reactants is from about 1% to about 8% by weight of the total mass of the reactants. The reaction mass is transferred after the interruption step to a second stage to complete the generation of carbon dioxide and the formation of the low density foam product.

Abstract: Molding compositions or mixtures comprising a high-temperature-resistant polymer and at least one polymer containing sulfoxide groups are used for the production of a foam by exposure to heat. The foam is employed for heat-resistant insulating layers.

Abstract: A structure of synthetic resin foam has a core layer of thermoplastic resin foam and skin layers of non-foamed thermoplastic resin merged with the core layer, and the skin layers gives rise to increase the mechanical strength of the structure.

Abstract: A lightweight open celled foam, having a density no greater than 6 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) and a ratio of imide to amide groups greater than 1 to 1 and no greater than 19 to 1, is the reaction product made from an organic polyisocyanate having at least two functional groups per molecule and a mixture of a difunctional acid and a difunctional anhydride in the presence of a tertiary amine catalyst and a nonionic, organic surfactant having a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) of at least 12, with the reactants generating carbon dioxide during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A vibration-absorbing element comprised of a foamed thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide elastomers, EPDM polymers and SEBS polymers containing conventional additives, the foam structure having a pore size which decreases from the inside towards the outer surface and terminating in a smooth closed surface.

Abstract: Molding compositions or mixtures comprising a high-temperature-resistant polymer and at least one polymer containing sulfoxide groups are used for the production of a foam by exposure to heat. The foam is employed for heat-resistant insulating layers.

Abstract: A composition includes a polymethacrylimide polymer which is polymerized in the presence of an epoxy resin and a flame-inhibiting agent. Further, a process is described for making flame-resistant polymethacrylimide, which includes mixing an epoxy resin and a flame-inhibiting agent with a methacrylic acid and methacrylonitrile, and polymerizing. A polymethacrylimide foam so prepared has an LOI value of at least 25 and retains the good mechanical properties that are associated with polymethacrylimide foams.

Abstract: A foaming resin composition consisting essentially of (A) an organic compound having a carbon-carbon double bond, (B) a compound having an SiH group, and (C) a compound having an OH group is foamed and cured at room temperature or under heat at relatively low temperatures, to obtain hard, semi-hard or soft plastic foam having good weather resistance and good compatibility with coating compositions and adhesives.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of producing super absorbing polymeric networks of polyaspartates from crosslinked polysuccinimide. In one preferred method aspect, polysuccinimide is first reacted with an organic crosslinking agent, preferably an organic base containing at least two primary amine groups to form crosslinked polysuccinimide. The crosslinked polysuccinimide is then hydrolyzed to a polymeric network of polyaspartate which demonstrates super absorbing capability in water and in saline solution. Alternative method aspects are disclosed in which super absorbing polymeric networks of polyaspartates are produced in a single reaction vessel by sequentially crosslinking polysuccinimide with organic crosslinking agent in an aqueous reaction mixture and then hydrolyzing the reaction product to produce a polymeric network of polyaspartate.

Abstract: A process for preparing a novel superabsorbent polymer which is readily hydrolyzed and conform to environment by reacting a polysuccinimide with a diamine in an aqueous solution or an organic solvent to partially crosslink the polysuccinimide, and subsequently or concurrently hydrolyzing the remaining imide ring with an alkali while controlling the pH; and the superabsorbent polymer thus obtained.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article comprising a potted electrical component in a structure, wherein the electrical component is potted in a polyimide composition. The invention also relates to a method of potting electrical components comprising the steps of (1) adding a polyimide precursor to a structure including an electrical component, (2) curing the polyimide precursor to form a polyimide composition encapsulating the electrical component.

Abstract: The pourable porous carrier material is produced from at least one thermoplastic basic polymer with additives incorporated in the porous structure.First suitable foaming agents are added to the basic polymer, the mass is melted, mixed before and/or after melting. The mixture is then preferably extruded and cooled to form a pourable porous carrier material.At least one additive is added to the porous carrier material and mixed with this at a temperature (T.sub.M) below the melting point of the basic polymer but above the melting point of the additive.The porous carrier material has preferably ellipsoid pores which are brought into their longitudinal form during extrusion.

Abstract: An acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is provided which has excellent weatherability, outstanding transparency and optical clarity, improved heath and solvent resistance, as well as improved impact strength. The acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is formulated by the catalytic activation at ambient temperature of a polymerization syrup which contains from about 300 to about 2970 parts by volume of an acrylic monomer, from about 30 to about 2700 parts by volume of a lactam monomer, from about 0.3 parts to about 40 parts by volume of a mercaptan chain transfer agent and from about 0.3 to about 40 parts by volume of a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the acrylic monomer and the lactam monomer. To prevent further polymerization of the polymeric constituents of the polymerization syrup, as well as to enhance the shelf life of the polymerization syrup, an effective amount of a polymerization inhibitor and an ultraviolet light stabilizer are incorporated into the polymerization syrup.

Abstract: A process for preparing a novel superabsorbent polymer which is readily hydrolyzed and conform to environment by reacting a polysuccinimide with a diamine in an aqueous solution or an organic solvent to partially crosslink the polysuccinimide, and subsequently or concurrently hydrolyzing the remaining imide ring with an alkali while controlling the pH; and the superabsorbent polymer thus obtained.

Abstract: An acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is provided which has excellent weatherability, outstanding transparency and optical clarity, improved heath and solvent resistance, as well as improved impact strength. The acrylic/lactam monomer based polymeric resin is formulated by the catalytic activation at ambient temperature of a polymerization syrup which contains from about 300 to about 2970 parts by volume of an acrylic monomer, from about 30 to about 2700 parts by volume of a lactam monomer, from about 0.3 parts to about 40 parts by volume of a mercaptan chain transfer agent and from about 0.3 to about 40 parts by volume of a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the acrylic monomer and the lactam monomer. To prevent further polymerization of the polymeric constituents of the polymerization syrup, as well as to enhance the shelf life of the polymerization syrup, an effective amount of a polymerization inhibitor and an ultraviolet light stabilizer are incorporated into the polymerization syrup.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compatibilized carbon black useful in melt processing of plastic material. The carbon black is coated with a compatibilizing agent which enhances the dispersibility of the carbon black in a melt of the plastic material. Further disclosed are processes for making plastic foam structures with the compatibilized carbon black.

Abstract: Toughened thermosetting resins are disclosed comprising a thermosetting resin having a Tg of at least 150.degree. C., preferably 180.degree. C., and having dispersed substantially uniformly therethrough microspheres of a thermoplastic resin having a Tg of at least 150.degree. C., preferably 180.degree. C. It is preferred to use thermoplastic resins with functional groups on the surface thereof capable of bonding to an available group on the thermosetting resin. High performance structural composites made from such toughened resins are disclosed as well as the process of making such composites.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for continuously foaming a polyimide prepolymer powder which is not susceptible to heating by microwave energy utilize a preheated conveyor belt to heat the powder in contact with and adjacent the surface of the conveyor belt to commence the reaction and foaming of the powder as it enters an oven which further heats the powder by convection and infrared radiation to form a continuous foam bun. The conveyor belt is cooled as it exits the oven to cool a bottom surface of the foam product to enable the foam product to be removed from the conveyor before interior portions of the foam product have cooled. Foam adhering to the conveyor belt, after the product has been removed, is cleaned from the conveyor belt, collected and mixed with and used as a filler in the prepolymer powder used in the process. In addition the mass of the powder entering the oven and the density and degree of cure of the foam bun exiting the oven are monitored to continuously control the process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a foamed, cellular crosslinked vinyl lactam polymer and to a formed rigid product obtained therefrom having dimensional stability and a high Tg above 150.degree. C. The invention also relates to the method of preparing said molded cellular polymer.

Abstract: Polyimide foam of desired density is produced by adding to a polyimide precursor comprising carboxylic and diamine components at least one foam-enhancing polar, protic additive of the formula ROH, where R is hydrogen, or C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 linear or branched alkyl or cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted with halo, aryl, alkoxy or hydroxy, and heating the resultant slurry to a temperature that does not exceed about 105.degree. C. to form a homogeneous melt. When heated to a higher temperature the melt foams and cures. The density of the foam is affected by the amount of foam-enhancing additive which is utilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides expandable plastics having a molecular weight of 50,000 to 500,000 which comprises the following structural units (I), (II) and (III) giving a foam having heat resistance and fine structure by heating, the molar ratio of (I+II) to (III) being 1 to 0.6-1.5 and the proportion of (I) being 5 to 50 wt. % of the total components: ##STR1## wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. When the copolymer, the expandable plastics, of the present invention is used, white foams having a very fine texture are obtained without using special foaming agents, and besides the heat resistance of the foams is high and the amount of water absorbed thereby is little. The foams of the present invention, therefore, can be used in a wide range as soundproofing materials and heat insulators for which the conventional foams cannot be used because of their low heat resistance, and substitutes for honeycomb structures used in airplanes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an unfoamed foil of at least one thermoplastic resin, said foil being capable of serving as an adhesive when softened and having included therein at least one blowing agent, and to the use thereof in preparing laminates.

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: The invention relates to ultrasonic contrast agents composed of microparticles which contain a gas and polyamino-dicarboxylic acid-co-imide derivatives, to processes for their preparation and to their use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

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: The invention relates to ultrasonic contrast agents composed of microparticles which contain a gas and polyamino-dicarboxylic acid-co-imide derivatives, to processes for their preparation and to their use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

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 slurry is produced by adding to a polyimide precursor comprising carboxylic and diamine components at least one foam-enhancing polar, protic additive of the formula ROH, where R is hydrogen, or C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 linear or branched alkyl or cycloalkyl, affording a slurry. The slurry is then brought to a temperature in the range of about 40.degree. C. to about 105.degree. C., producing a homogeneous, transparent solution, opaque suspension, or melt. When heated to a higher temperature the melt foams and cures.

Abstract: An aligning agent for liquid crystals containing a polyamino acid having no optical activity.

Abstract: Polyimide foam of desired density is produced by adding to a polyimide precursor comprising carboxylic and diamine components at least one foam-enhancing polar, protic additive of the formula ROH, where R is hydrogen, or C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 linear or branched alkyl or cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted with halo, aryl, alkoxy or hydroxy, and heating the resultant slurry to a temperature that does not exceed about 105.degree. C. to form a homogeneous melt. When heated to a higher temperature the melt foams and cures. The density of the foam is affected by the amount of foam-enhancing additive which is utilized.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of expandable granules based on polyaryl ether sulfones and/or polyether imides, containing from 5 to 20% by weight of a physical blowing agent, the blowing agent and the polymers being mixed in an extruder and subsequently extruded directly into a medium at less than 40.degree. C., and a process for the production of foams from expandable granules based on polyaryl ether sulfones and/or polyether imides, containing from 5 to 20% by weight of a physical blowing agent, the granules being press molded at from 120.degree. to 250.degree. C. and at a pressure of from 5 to 30 bar to form a sheet, and the sheet being subsequently foamed by reducing the pressure, are described.

Abstract: Polyimide foam of desired density is produced by adding to a polyimide precursor comprising carboxylic and diamine components at least one foam-enhancing polar, protic additive of the formula ROH, where R is hydrogen, or C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 linear or branched alkyl or cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted with halo, aryl, alkoxy or hydroxy, and heating the resultant slurry to a temperature that does not exceed about 105.degree. C. to form a homogeneous melt. When heated to a higher temperature the melt foams and cures. The density of the foam is affected by the amount of foam-enhancing additive which is utilized.