Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, a water-absorbing material is blended into the polymer so that the water-absorbing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the water-absorbing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and several exemplary apparatus for capillary dewatering of foam materials. The apparatus may include felt which is applied to an exposed face of the foam material, or a double felt arrangement applied to two opposed surfaces of the foam material. The apparatus may provide a temperature differential between the two exposed surfaces of the foam material. An alternative embodiment utilizes a roll having a capillary dewatering medium. The capillary dewatering medium may be maintained at a vacuum either above or below the breakthrough vacuum of the capillaries. The disclosed apparatus and method are particularly useful for dewatering foams having relatively fine open capillaries.

Abstract: A synthetic sponge having a high density is rinsed while changing the hydrostatic pressure of rinsing solution in pore spaces of the sponge to remove chemical residue and particulate matter more completely. The hydrostatic pressure can be changed by varying fluid supply pressure or varying centrifugal force. A rinsing apparatus includes a rotatable container and a fluid supply for supplying rinsing solution to sponge material in the container.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing moisture absorbing desiccant entrained polymers. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. To achieve certain results in the hardened end product, such as rigidity and durability, the polymer normally acts as a moisture barrier in a solidified state, both before and after melting. A desiccating agent is blended into the polymer so that the desiccating agent is distributed within the polymer. A channeling agent is also blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. The blending of the components is preferably done before the polymer is caused to assume a molten state. Together, the polymer, desiccating agent and channeling agent create a blended mixture. The mixture is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the mixture through which moisture is communicable to desiccating agent that is entrained within the mixture.

Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microporous membrane and a process for producing thereof, especially a microporous membrane which can be used for microfiltration, has excellent resistance to chemicals, and a process for producing thereof.The present invention provides a microporous membrane having excellent resistance to chemicals, and a microporous membrane which facilitates waste disposal, and a process for producing thereof.The microporous membrane has a bubble point value measured by the use of ethanol (by the test method of JIS K3832) falling in the range of from 10 kPa to 1000 kPa and comprises a polymer prepared by ring opening polymerization of a compound represented by chemical formula (I) or a polymer which is a ring opening polymer or ring opening copolymer represented by chemical formula (II). An example of the ring opening ring polymer or ring opening copolymer is a norbornene resin.

Abstract: Foamed and expanded beads of a crosslinked aliphatic polyester resin having a gel fraction of at least 5% by weight. The expanded beads may be obtained by crosslinking beads of a non-crosslinked aliphatic polyester resin with a crosslinking agent including an organic peroxide to obtain crosslinked resin beads having a gel fraction of at least 5% by weight, and then expanding the crosslinked resin beads. A biodegradable foamed article may be obtained by thermally foaming the crosslinked, expanded aliphatic polyester resin beads in a mold.

Abstract: A document feed component is presented comprising a foamed epichlorohydrin elastomer, a curing agent, and a blowing agent. The elastomer optionally further includes activators, polymerization accelerators, and a filler material. An important feature of the present invention is that the use of a foamed epichlorohydrin elastomer in accordance with the present invention does not require the use of processing aids and migratory additives. Consequently, the document feed component of this invention has the advantage of not contaminating paper or other media with which they come into contact, even for extended periods of time, while maintaining other advantageous properties, such as a high coefficient of friction, low hardness, low compression set, and excellent resistance to ultraviolet light and ozone. The document feed component of the present invention may be shaped as a roller, wheel, belt, pad or the like.

Abstract: A stopper for use in a substantially cylindrical bottle opening is disclosed. The stopper is made of a synthetic elastomer body with a portion with a substantially cylindrical shape to seal the bottle opening. The elastomer body also contains a fiber portion or a plurality of fiber portions oriented substantially longitudinally in the elastomer body. The synthetic stopper is preferably designed to replace traditional wood bark corks in wine bottles. In one embodiment, the fiber reinforcement is in the form of a porous plug surrounded by an elastomer skin. In another embodiment, fibrous strips are dispersed throughout the stopper structure. The method of producing a stopper for use in a substantially cylindrical bottle opening is also disclosed as is a method of protecting a liquid in a bottle with a fiber reinforced synthetic elastomer stopper.

Abstract: A biodegradable air freshener that breaks down in the presence of water to minimize solid waste, comprising a water soluble substrate substantially comprising foamed vegetable starch, and a liquid fragrance carried in the substrate. The substrate is preferably made of corn and or potato starch. The liquid fragrance may be from about 0.01 to about 10 times the weight of the substrate. A coloring agent may optionally be provided in the liquid fragrance to impart color to the air freshener. Because the substrate is made from a water soluble starch, it dissolves in water leaving little or no solid waste.

Abstract: A process for preparing super lightweight sheet of the present invention comprises the steps of mixing a low density polyethylene (LDPE), a first blowing agent, a surface activation agent and a separation agent; heating the obtained mixture at a temperature higher than 160.degree. C. to obtain a molten mass; heating said molten mass at a temperature higher than the gasification temperature of said first blowing agent to separate said first blowing agent; cooling the obtained mixture; and forming the cooled mass in a sheet.In a preferred embodiment, the process of the present invention process further comprises the steps of introducing a second gaseous blowing agent in the cooled mass to obtain a foamed mass; maintaining the foamed mass at a stabilizing temperature to stabilize the foamed mass; and cooling the foamed mass at 20-25.degree. C. and maintaining the cooled mass at said temperature for 24 hours.

Abstract: Foams based on the following components:a) a fluid emulsion comprising:a perfluoropolyether, as main protective agent,polar and non polar oils,an acrylic copolymer characterized by hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, and activity of primary emulsifier after neutralization with alkales,an ionic surfactant (as foaming agent) waterb) a propellant.

Abstract: A method for foaming or foam-coating components is used for foaming hollow cavities of double-walled or multiple-walled components or foam-coating component parts with decorative surfaces so as to improve haptic properties of component parts. A material is introduced or applied in an unfoamed state to be foamed through the use of microwave energy. In order to achieve high dielectric losses and to ensure that the heat effect is evently distributed and essentially restricted to the material to be foamed, the material is adjusted in a polar manner by addition of certain substances such as conductive soot. Reflecting agents are used to improve the distribution and effect of the microwaves. The method ensures fully foamed hollow cavities and foam layers of uniform thickness. A foamable material for foaming or foam-coating components is also provided.

Abstract: A high-speed agitation type mixer of a continuous extruding method including a plurality of agitating members provided around a rotational shaft inside a fixed casing is used to mix and react a water absorbing resin containing a carboxyl group with an aqueous liquid containing, for example, a crosslinking agent that can react with the carboxyl group. The agitating members of the mixer of a continuous extruding method are provided so as to form in the ejection side a second area whose thrusting force is weaker than the thrusting force in a first area in which the water absorbing resin supplied into the casing is dispersed. A device for manufacturing a water absorbing agent is thus offered which boasts good absorbency under pressure and always maintain its excellent performance with end products.

Abstract: Polyester polyols which contain at least one dihydrazide linkage --C(.dbd.O)--NHNH--C(.dbd.O)-- reduce the incidence of scorching when used as a reactant in the manufacture of polyurethane foam. Also disclosed are compounds of structures (2) and (3):D--HN(--NH--C(.dbd.O)--R--C(.dbd.O)NH).sub.0-1 --NH--D (2)(A--C(.dbd.T)--NH)--.sub.

Abstract: The present invention is a continuous process for preparing formulations useful for making filled polymer carpet backings. The present invention particularly incorporates polyisocyanate as a reactive diluent in a continuous process for preparing filled polyurethane polymers. Use of the present invention allows production of carpet backings that incorporate high loadings of filler materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to blowing agent concentrates for forming porous, molded thermoplastic items, and, more particularly to blowing agent concentrates that are compatible with polycarbonate homopolymers, but which can be extruded without causing thermal decomposition of the blowing agent.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyurethane foams by reacting a polyisocyanate composition with an isocyanate-reactive composition under foam-forming conditions, wherein the isocyanate-reactive composition comprises a monofunctional alcohol and an isocyanate-reactive cyclic urea.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of microcellular elastomeric polyurethane foams from a reaction mixture comprising a polyisocyanate component containing at least 85% by weight of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate or a variant thereof, a polyol composition comprising at least one polyoxyalkylene polyol having an average nominal hydroxyl functionality of from 2 to 6, an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of at least 1300 and an average oxyethylene content of between 50 and 85% by weight, water, a chain extender having an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of from 15 to 250 and optionally a crosslinking agent, the hardblock-content being more than 45% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a foam having a bulk density of less than 250 g/l; the foam having a stability in air of at least 15 seconds (and preferably at least 30 seconds), the stability being defined as the time for the foam to collapse to half its volume when measured in a 111 mm internal diameter and 62 mm internal height glass beaker; wherein the foam has a stability on water at 20.degree. C. of less than 2 hours, the stability on water being defined as the time taken for a 150 ml foam mass on the surface of 450 ml distilled water in a 111 mm internal diameter and 62 mm internal height glass beaker, to collapse to reveal a 2 cm diameter area of the water surface which is substantially free from foam.

Abstract: A poly(ethyleneoxy) block copolymer including a hydrophobic block segment useful in making a porous polymer article with improved surface hydrophilicity. Also disclosed is a method of making such a polymer article.

Abstract: a porous solid material for plant propagation which includes granules of a porous expanded mineral, such as perlite or vermiculite, distributed within a porous, open-cell foamed hydrophilic water-retentive polyurethane matrix. The material may be molded into sheets of break-off units for seed germination and propagation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for encapsulated polymeric gels swollen with nonaqueous reactive materials are provided. The methods include gel synthesis, swelling of a gel precursor with a first nonaqueous reactive material, and encapsulation of the swollen gel with a second nonaqueous reactive material. Gels precursors may be synthesized from crosslinking polymers, or alternatively, may be formed by crosslinking and polymerizing a monomer starting material. An accelerator may be utilized to facilitate swelling of the gel precursor with the first nonaqueous reactive material. Foams and composites may also be swollen with the first nonaqueous reactive material. The swollen gel is then contacted with a second nonaqueous reactive material such that an encapsulation layer is formed thereby. The encapsulated gels may be stored for subsequent use.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a stock solution composition for use in production of hard polyurethane foam, which composition can disperse the flame retardant filler component stably therein when allowed to stand and, when subjected to stirring or an external pressure, has a reduced viscosity, promising easy transfer of the composition and easy foaming in production of hard polyurethane foam at the site. The present invention provides a stock solution composition for use in production of hard polyurethane foam, which comprises, as the essential components, a polyol, a foaming agent, a flame retardant filler, a flame retarder and a solvent-swollen clay mineral. The swollen clay mineral has thixotropy; that is, it is a gel owing to the interaction between molecules when allowed to stand and, when subjected to an external pressure or the like, said interaction between molecules is cut and the gel changes into a liquid sol.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are novel diguanamine derivatives, led by 2,5/2,6-bis(4,6-diamino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-bicyclo?2.2.1!heptanes and 1,3/1,4-bis(4,6-diamino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-cyclohexanes, and derivatives thereof, applications of these compounds in fields such as adhesives and paints, utilization of these compounds in flame-retarding, thermal stabilization and compatibilization methods of resins, thermosetting molding compositions and thermosetting expansion-molding compositions making use of these compounds, as well as polymeric microspheres also using these compounds. These compounds are expected to find wide spread industrial utility as various excellent properties can be obtained by using them.

Abstract: A process produces foam bodies having various properties and containing cellulose-containing materials broken up and/or partially broken up and/or not broken up, and additives, if need be. The cellulose-containing starting materials are first processed further for forming a moist pulp and subsequently subjected to a heat treatment by microwave radiation. The properties of the foam bodies so produced are predetermined by admixing certain substances intensifying the formation of gas in the pulp, increasing the adhesive bond between the particles in the pulp, or which completely or partially convert into a gas either under the influence of heat or of moisture, thus supporting the foaming. Furthermore, other residual and waste materials can be added during the production process, which may be materials of a silicate nature as well, preferably with the objective of reusing such materials in a useful way and of predetermining at the same time certain product properties of the foam bodies.

Abstract: Opened-celled porous plastics or natural products are made flame retardant by coating the cell walls with a liquid containing carbonization auxiliaries and/or flame retardant agents. The excess liquid is removed and the mass is dried. The open-celled porous mass now has good fire characteristics. The carbonization auxiliaries and/or flame retardant agents may also be used in the production of the open-celled porous organic masses. These flame retardant porous masses may be used in furniture, mattresses, fire barriers, textile coating, laminates, linings and as insulators.

Abstract: Formed products such as foams, fabrics for industrial materials, filaments, nonwoven fabrics, composite materials and films which are degradable after use with ease in the natural environment are prepared by using a high molecular weight aliphatic polyester obtained by direct polycondensation of an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol with aliphatic polybasic acid or additionally hydroxycarboxylic acid or oligomers of these materials in a reaction mixture containing a solvent.

Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.

Abstract: A poly(ethyleneoxy) block copolymer including a hydrophobic block segment useful in making a porous polymer article with improved surface hydrophilicity. Also disclosed is a method of making such a polymer article.

Abstract: A poly(ethyleneoxy) block copolymer including a hydrophobic block segment useful in making a porous polymer article with improved surface hydrophilicity. Also disclosed is a method of making such a polymer article.

Abstract: Stable and water-resistant aqueous foam composition containing (1) a long chain cationic organic compound and (2) a long-chain anionic organic compound in a weight ratio of from 0.05:1 to 15:1. The stable foam composition of the invention may be mixed with various water-soluble or water-dispersible organic, polymeric, or inorganic substances and used in applications where lightweight, heat, sound or other insulative, barrier properties or homogeneous material distribution are needed. Such applications include cementitious or gypsum containing substances, adhesives, binders, paper treating materials, coatings, ceramics, landfills, geofills, and firefighting and fireproofing materials.

Abstract: Process for preparing polycondensates of citric acid and/or isocitric acid, by converting(a) citric acid, isocitric acid or mixtures thereof in an organic solvent in the presence of a water-withdrawing agent at least partially into the anhydride form and then condensing the reaction mixture, if desired after addition of two cocondensable compounds selected from the group consisting of(b) other hydroxycarboxylic acids and/or(c) amino acids, alcohols, amines and/or at least dibasic carboxylic acids other than carboxylic acids (a) and (b), at temperatures of at least 80.degree. C. to form polycarboxylates which have an average molecular weight of at least 500, polycondensates of citric acid and/or isocitric acid obtainable thereby, anduse of said polycondensates as ingredients in phosphate-free and reduced-phosphate detergents and cleaners, and also detergents and cleaners which contain at least one surfactant and optionally builders and other customary constituents with from 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to relatively inexpensive multi-purpose expandable vibration damping material compositions particularly useful in constrained layer applications. The composition essentially includes an elastomeric polymer, plasticizer, thermoplastic polymer, foaming agent, adhesion promoters and filler. In addition to the aforementioned, under certain embodiments, the expandable vibration damping material compositions may also employ rheological modifiers such as cross-linking agents and epoxy curing agents.

Abstract: A method of preparing a porous article is provided. The method includes: contacting a porous substrate with a first reactant that enters pores of the substrate; and contacting the porous substrate bearing the first reactant with a second reactant that is capable of reacting with the first reactant in an interfacial polymerization reaction; the amounts of first and second reactant being selected such that there occurs no, or substantially no, closing of pores of the substrate by the formed polymer. The invention also provides a porous article bearing a compound which is photochemically reactive and capable of undergoing a substantially non-reversible chemical transformation upon exposure to ultra-violet, visible or near infra-red irradiation. The photochemically reactive compound can be derivatized by irradiation and further reaction to provide a wide variety of useful membranes, for example, for microfiltration or for biochemical reactions and separations.

Abstract: A foamed plastic manufactured by foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic is less than atmospheric pressure, is disclosed. Further, a foamed plastic manufactured by hermetically sealing with an airtight film and foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in a gap region between the airtight film and the foamed plastic and the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic are less than atmospheric pressure is disclosed. Further, a method of manufacturing foamed plastic comprising foaming a mixture of a volatile polymerizable foaming agent and a resin, and irradiating the foamed plastic with an energy beam.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are novel diguanamine derivatives, led by 2,5/2,6-bis(4,6-diamino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes and 1,3/1,4-bis(4,6-diamino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-cyclohexanes, and derivatives thereof, applications of these compounds in fields such as adhesives and paints, utilization of these compounds in flame-retarding, thermal stabilization and compatibilization methods of resins, thermosetting molding compositions and thermosetting expansion-molding compositions making use of these compounds, as well as polymeric microspheres also using these compounds. These compounds are expected to find wide spread industrial utility as various excellent properties can be obtained by using them.

Abstract: A battery having a positive electrode, a negative electrode is equipped with a diaphragm between the electrodes. The diaphragm includes a hydrophilized polymer porous body with pores in which ethylene copolymer particles are held, having a melting point of 80.degree. to 170.degree. C., and side chains.

Abstract: The invention is related to highly substituted, water-insoluble, poorly water-permeable fatty acid esters of polysaccharides and compositions comprising said polysaccharides esters suitable for use in hot-melt adhesives and as coatings for the controlled release of active ingredients, especially fertilizers. A convenient method for preparing said polysacharide esters using e.g. dimethylformamide as a solvent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A foamed plastic manufactured by foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic is less than atmospheric pressure, is disclosed. Further, a foamed plastic manufactured by hermetically sealing with an airtight film and foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in a gap region between the airtight film and the foamed plastic and the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic are less than atmospheric pressure is disclosed. Further, a method of manufacturing foamed plastic comprising foaming a mixture of a volatile polymerizable foaming agent and a resin, and irradiating the foamed plastic with an energy beam.

Abstract: A foamed article of styrene type resin, in which base resin particles are styrene type resin particles obtainable by a graft polymerization of a cis-rich polybutadiene with a styrene type monomer, a blowing agent contains n-pentane as its main component and the foamed article shows a density of 0.015-0.040 g/cm.sup.3, an average foam diameter of 60-300 micrometers and a closed cell foam rate of not less than 50%.

Abstract: A label for containers comprises a foamed polyester film that has a density of less than 1 g/cm.sup.3. The foamed polyester film may be blown away in air and then floated away in water during the recycle process for containers. After separation from the containers the foamed polyester film may be reclaimed by a chemical process to recover raw materials for polyesters.

Abstract: A plastic foam material composed of a blended resin composition which includes at least two thermoplastic resins and a silane-modified based resin. The blended resin composition consists essentially of 100 parts by weight of at least two thermoplastic resins, from about 1 to about 50 parts by weight of a silane-modified, cross-linked, thermoplastic resin; from about 0.001 to about 2.5 parts by weight of a cross-linking catalyst for use in a silane compound and from about 1 to about 20 parts by weight of a foaming agent. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoplastic resins include at least two substantially incompatible and substantially uncross-linked thermoplastic resins, while in another embodiment the two thermoplastic resins need not be substantially incompatible. The blended resin composition may further include reinforcers such as glass fibers and filler. The thermodecomposition foaming agent decomposes at sufficiently high temperatures to yield a plastic foam material.

Abstract: Absorbent foam materials that are capable of acquiring and distributing aqueous fluids, especially discharged body fluids such as urine. These absorbent foams combine relatively high capillary absorption pressures and capacity-per-weight properties that allow them to acquire fluid, with or without the aid of gravity. These absorbent foams also give up this fluid efficiently to higher absorption pressure storage materials, including foam-based absorbent fluid storage components, without collapsing. These absorbent foams are made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs).

Abstract: It is object of the present invention to provide a method by which a variable property component, such as two-color parts, having the interior covered with a thin film of the surface area is molded from polyurethanes by RIM, eliminating the need for separately applying a mold release agent or colorants to the cavity surface. Greater latitude in design due to varying physical characteristics is provided.

Abstract: Copolymers of vinyl aromatic monomers and propoxylated allyl alcohols having an average of 2 or less oxypropylene groups are disclosed. The copolymers, which have hydroxyl numbers of 80-260 mg KOH/g and number average molecular weights from 500-3500, are particularly useful for polyurethanes, alkyd resins and coatings, melamine-based coatings, and unsaturated polyester resins.

Abstract: An insoluble material for adsorbing a pyrogen comprising a polymer of an aziridine compound. According to the present invention, a large amount of the pyrogen can be easily removed from a solution containing pyrogen, and a large amount of the material for adsorbing the pyrogen can be prepared in easy steps. Therefore, the adsorbing material can greatly contribute to the preparation of medicines.

Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.

Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.

Abstract: Normally liquid, omega-hydrofluoroalkyl ether compounds (and selected mixtures thereof) have a saturated perfluoroaliphatic chain of carbon atoms interrupted by one or more ether oxygen atoms. The compounds can be prepared, e.g., by decarboxylation of the corresponding fluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids and are useful, e.g., in cleaning and drying applications.