Abstract: Disclosed herein are refrigerant and heat transfer fluid compositions comprising 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone and at least one hydrocarbon. These compositions are useful in refrigeration and air conditioning systems that employ a centrifugal compressor. Also disclosed herein are azeotropic or near azeotropic refrigerant and heat transfer fluid compositions comprising 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone and at least one hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The selection of additives to improve the solubility of blowing agents may be facilitated by using a method that involves determining and comparing the activity coefficients of prospective additives to the activity coefficients of candidate blowing agents in a given base polymer for producing a polymeric foam article. The method for the selection of an additive may comprise selecting a representative compound for the base polymer and determining a first activity coefficient for a blowing agent in the representative compound. Also selected are several candidate additives, each having a different functional group, and determining a second activity coefficient for the blowing agent in each of the candidate additives. Among the candidate additives is selected the additive, wherein the second activity coefficient is lower than the first activity coefficient. The method may be incorporated into a process for forming polymeric foams and the manufacture of a polymeric foam.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer foams having sound deadening properties satisfactory for demanding applications are provided which have mechanical strength, which are economical to manufacture, and which are hydrolytically stable. Methods of preparing these foams are also provided. The foams are useful in sound management, cushion packaging, filtering, and fluid absorption and exhibit one or more of the following properties: 1) average cell size greater than about 2 mm; 2) substantially open-cell structure and 3) relatively large pores connecting the cells. In order that the foam be acoustically active, the foam should possess a substantially open-cell structure and a relatively low airflow resistivity. Foams with substantially open-cell structure and relatively low airflow resistivity are prepared by mechanically opening a foam having an average cell size greater than about 2 mm. In most cases, such mechanical opening creates relatively large pores connecting the cells.

Abstract: An artificial soil includes a plurality of foam plastic fragments. A gel coating is disposed about substantially each of the fragments. Minerals are disposed within the gel coating.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a material for use in a thermal protection system contains a silicone resin binder, a silicone catalyst, ground cork, glass ecospheres, and a silicone solvent. In a preferred embodiment, the material consists of from 65.3 wt % to 72.3 wt % silicone resin, from 6.5 wt % to 7.25 wt % silicone catalyst, from 7.22 wt % to 7.98 wt % ground cork, from 8.36 wt % to 9.24 wt % glass ecospheres, and the balance silicone solvent.

Abstract: Compositions based on ?-caprolactone polymer, comprising at least one ?-caprolactone polymer and calcium carbonate. Process for preparing these compositions, which are used for manufacturing articles, in particular films, preferably obtained by extrusion blow-moulding or by flat-die extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising pentafluoropropane, a second component selected from the group consisting of decafluoropropane, perfluorobutyl methyl ether and combinations of these, and a third component selected from the group consisting of methanol, 1,2-trans-dichloroethylene and combinations of these. The present invention further provides for refrigerants, blowing agents, foam compositions, polyol premixes, closed-cell foams, sprayable compositions, and the like, comprising the present compositions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for molding complex and intricately shaped high density monolithic carbon, carbon-carbon, graphite, and thermoplastic composites using gelcasting technology. The method comprising a polymeric carbon precursor, a solvent, a dispersant, an anti-foaming agent, a monomer system, and an initiator system. The components are combined to form a suspension which is poured into a mold and heat-treated to form a thermoplastic part. The thermoplastic part can then be further densified and heat-treated to produce a high density carbon or graphite composite. The present invention also discloses the products derived from this method.

Abstract: A plurality of voids are introduced into a polymeric material. One or more stress sensitive components in abutment with a portion of the polymeric material are buffered from one or more stresses through employment of the portion of the polymeric material that comprises one or more voids of the plurality of voids. A movement of the portion of the polymeric material is accommodated through compression of one or more of the one or more voids.

Abstract: Expandable vinylaromatic polymers which comprise: a) a matrix obtained by polymerizing 50-100% by weight of one or more vinylaromatic monomers and 0.50% by weight of a copolymerizable monomer; b) 1-10% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an expanding agent englobed in the polymeric matrix; c) 0.05-25% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an inorganic filler homogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix with a substantially spherical granulometry, an average diameter ranging from 0.01 to 100 &mgr;m, a refraction index higher than 1.6 and a white index, as defined in “Colour Index” (third edition published by the Society of Dyers and Colourists, 1982), equal to or lower than 22.

Abstract: The invention provides composite porous membranes comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate coated with difunctional surface-modifying molecules. The difunctional surface-modifying molecules provide a hydrophilic surface without forming branches of interconnected polymer molecules in the pores. The invention also provides a method for making composite porous membranes, such as a composite hydrophilic membrane with reduced concentration of surface modifying molecules required to coat a hydrophobic substrate.

Abstract: A polymer composition for a conductive roller composed of a rubber component whose main component is an epichlorohidrin rubber containing ethylene oxide at not less than 55 mol % nor more than 95 mol %. Thioureas are added to 100 g of the rubber component as a crosslinking agent at a rate not less than 0.014 mol nor more than 0.080 mol. In a compression set test of a vulcanized rubber described in JIS K6262, a compression set measured at 70° C. for 22-24 hours is less than 15%; and in a volume resistivity value test described in JIS K6911, a volume resistivity value measured at an applied voltage of 1000V is less than 107.5[&OHgr;·cm].

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging element comprising at least one image receiving layer and a support, wherein said image receiving layer comprises an open celled microcellular foam. The present invention also relates to an imaging element comprising at least one image receiving layer, an absorbing layer and a support, wherein the absorbing layer comprises an open celled microcellular foam.

Abstract: The selection of additives to improve the solubility of blowing agents may be facilitated by using a method that involves determining and comparing the activity coefficients of prospective additives to the activity coefficients of candidate blowing agents in a given base polymer for producing a polymeric foam article. The method for the selection of an additive may comprise selecting a representative compound for the base polymer and determining a first activity coefficient for a blowing agent in the representative compound. Also selected are several candidate additives, each having a different functional group, and determining a second activity coefficient for the blowing agent in each of the candidate additives. Among the candidate additives is selected the additive, wherein the second activity coefficient is lower than the first activity coefficient. The method may be incorporated into a process for forming polymeric foams and the manufacture of a polymeric foam.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present method includes the stops of providing a polymer resin to be processed: blending particulate boron nitride (BN) and a fluorine-containing polymer with said polymer resin to provide a resin blend: heating said resin blend to obtain a desired flowability valve: and processing said resin blend into a desired shape.

Abstract: A resin composition containing thermoplastic resin and a flame retardant is sufficiently kneaded and molded and carbon dioxide in a supercritical state is caused to permeate into it. Subsequently, the resin composition is degassed by cooling and/or pressure reduction. As a result of degassing, a resin foam body 1 having a fine and uniform micro-cellular foam structure is obtained. The resin foam body 1 has a cyclic structure in which a resin phase 2 and a pore phase 3 are continuous and intertwined. The obtained resin foam body 1 can suitably find applications such as home OA parts, electric and electronic parts and automobile parts that are required to be highly strong, lightweight and nonflammable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low loss foam composition and cable, such as a coaxial cable. The foam composition is formed by heating an olefinic polymer, such as a high density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene, or a combination thereof, into a molten state composition, optionally with a nucleating agent. The molten mixture is extruded under pressure through a die with a blowing agent comprising an atmospheric gas, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen or air, and a co-blowing agent selected from hydrofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, or perfluoro compounds, such as HFC-134a. The cable is formed by extruding the foam composition onto a signal carrying conductor and sheathing the foam-coated signal carrying conductor in an appropriate conducting shield.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for preparing all water blown spray polyurethane foams by reacting a polyisocyanate with a polyol blend. The polyol methods and compositions of the invention comprises a polyol component, water, a cell opening agent, and a diluent. Polyurethane foams prepared according to the invention meet the physical and processing requirements stipulated by the industry.

Abstract: An aqueous air foam comprising a non-crosslinked cellulose ether selected from C1-C3-alkyl celluloses, C1-C3-alkyl hydroxy-C1-3-alkyl celluloses, hydroxy-C1-3-alkyl celluloses, or mixed hydroxy-C1-C3-alkyl celluloses, the foam having a foam quality FQ of from 60 to 97 percent and the foam quality being defined as FQ(%)=[air volume/(air volume+fluid volume)×100].

Abstract: An open-celled polyurethane foam formed from a composition comprising an active hydrogen-containing component, an organic polyisocyanate component having an average isocyanate functionality of 2.00 to 2.25, a surfactant component, and a catalyst. The foam has a thickness of about 6 to about 20 mils; a density of about 10 to about 50 pcf; an average cell diameter of about 25 to about 80 microns; and cell openings having an average diameter of about 1 to about 25 microns, wherein the ratio of average cell diameter to average cell opening diameter is about 3 to about 10; a water vapor transmission rate of greater than about 1000 grams per square meter per day, and which do not leak water or similar fluids. Such foams find particular utility as backings for bandages.

Abstract: A low-k organic dielectric material having stable nano-sized porous is provided as well as a method of fabricating the same. The porous low-k organic dielectric material is made from a composition of matter having a vitrification temperature (Tv-comp) which includes a b-staged thermosetting resin having a vitrification temperate (Tv-resin), a pore generating material, and a reactive additive. The reactive additive lowers Tv-comp below Tv-resin.

Abstract: A more controllable fibrous acoustic ceiling patch or textured material in the form of a sprayable composition includes a base, a filler, an adhesive binder, an anti-foaming agent, a suspension agent, and fibrous materials. The more controllable acoustic ceiling patch is storable and dispensable from a pressurized dispenser having a delivery nozzle. An aerosol system with a spray nozzle is included on the container for selective discharge of the textured material onto a prepared patch area, which may be on a drywall or support panel so as to match and blend with the surrounding acoustic ceiling surface area in order to provide a continuous and unbroken coextensive surface texture of mechanically and visually matched material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermally expandable material expandable from a compressed state by heat, which comprises a form material comprising a crosslinked rubber having impregnated with a crystalline thermoplastic resin and which is compressed. Also disclosed are a joint material and a soundproof cover for an automobile engine, each comprising the thermally expandable material.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an HFC component and a non-HFC component consisting essentially of methanol, having boiling points that are unexpectedly low and relatively constant, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided that are related to cellular materials that have a precisely-determined arrangement of voids formed using surface transformation. In various embodiments, the cellular materials are suitable for use in various structural, mechanical and/or thermal applications. One aspect of the present subject matter is a method of forming cellular material. According to various embodiments of the method, a predetermined arrangement of the plurality of holes is formed in a volume of material through a surface of the volume of material. The volume of material is annealed such that the volume of material undergoes a surface transformation in which the arrangement of the plurality of holes is transformed into a predetermined arrangement of at least one empty space below the surface of the volume of material. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer foams having sound deadening properties satisfactory for demanding applications are provided which have mechanical strength, which are economical to manufacture, and which are hydrolytically stable. Methods of preparing these foams are also provided. The foams are useful in sound management, cushion packaging, filtering, and fluid absorption and exhibit one or more of the following properties: 1) average cell size greater than about 2 mm; 2) substantially open-cell structure and 3) relatively large pores connecting the cells. In order that the foam be acoustically active, the foam should possess a substantially open-cell structure and a relatively low airflow resistivity. Foams with substantially open-cell structure and relatively low airflow resistivity are prepared by mechanically opening a foam having an average cell size greater than about 2 mm. In most cases, such mechanical opening creates relatively large pores connecting the cells.

Abstract: It is intended to provide asymmetric porous films which are usable in blood dialysis, plasma separation, etc. and particularly excellent in the performance of selectively separating (fractionating) plasma protein, show little endogenous coagulation, complement or quinine activily and have an extremely high biocompatibility. Porous films made mainly of a synthetic polymer and having an asymmetric structure wherein, in the sectional structure, a dense layer substantially not charged at least on the outermost surface is provided in the side on which a liquid to be treated is loaded and at least part of the film other than the outermost surface is negatively charged. In the above films, the dense layer non-charged at least on the outermost surface serves as a size barrier while the part of the film other than the outermost surface serves as a charge barrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an HFC component and a non-HFC component consisting essentially of methanol, having boiling points that are unexpectedly low and relatively constant, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Mesoscopically ordered, hydrothermally stable metal oxide-block copolymer composite or mesoporous materials are described herein that are formed by using amphiphilic block copolymers which act as structure directing agents for the metal oxide in a self-assembling system.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making foams by photopolymerizing emulsions comprising a reactive phase and a phase immiscible with the reactive phase components. Foams made from water-in-oil emulsions, including high internal phase emulsion are disclosed. Articles and uses for the foams are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolation gasket intended to reduce the damage and wear of finishing layers, such as ceramic tiles, when installed over a rigid support layer, such as concrete. The disclosed isolation gasket prevents the propagation of cracks that may develop in the supporting layer through to the finishing layer. A preferred isolation gasket is a low-density, crosslinked polyolefin foam having a density of from about 60 kg/m3 to about 200 kg/m3, a compressive strength of from about ⅕ kg/cm2 to about 8 kg/cm2, a shear strength of at least 2 mm, and a thickness of at least 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A microbe-inhibiting (MI) compound is incorporated into a biodegradable polymer composition most preferably, a starch-based polymer, to inhibit microbial growth and to attenuate the biodegradation of the polymer composition. Such a composition is used to manufacture any of a number of articles, particularly those that come in contact with foods such as foam containers and fruit shock absorber nets as well as packing materials such as loose fill pellets.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low air-permeability flexible polyurethane foam block through an employment of at least polyol, an isocyanate compound, a catalyst, a foaming agent and a foam stabilizer, the method being featured in that an open-cell flexible polyurethane foam block having an air-permeability of not more than 5 cc/cm2/sec is enabled to be formed without accompanying an opening of the cells step called healthy bubble and without substantial variation of air-permeability.

Abstract: A cellulose acetate structure excellent in its biodegradability. At least a surface region of the structure includes a biodegradable cellulose acetate composition containing a biodegradation promoting agent contained in cellulose acetate. The agent includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a salt of an oxygen acid of phosphorus, an ester of an oxygen acid of phosphorus or a salt thereof, carbonic acid and a salt thereof.

Abstract: Rigid foams having improved insulation properties are made by reacting a polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing agent mixture composed of from about 5 to about 50 parts by weight of HFC-134a and from about 50 to about 95 parts by weight of HFC-245fa.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for machining a flexible foam. The flexible foam is treated to temporarily harden the foam. The hardened foam is machined. The foam is then returned to its original flexible state.

Abstract: The use of an adduct of an isocyanate resin and an isocyanate-reactive epoxy resin in an expandable thermosettable composition helps to reduce the tackiness of the composition and also increases its dimensional stability, as compared to compositions in which only non-adducted epoxy resins are present.

Abstract: In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a foam element comprising an isocyanate-based foam matrix having surface, at least a portion of the surface comprising at least one channel having a channel surface, the channel surface being coated with a substantially fluid impermeable material. The foam element is particularly useful in a climate-control vehicular (e.g., automobile) seat.

Abstract: The invention provides an aerogel-hollow particle binder composition comprising an aqueous binder, hydrophobic aerogel particles, and hollow, non-porous particles, as well as an insulation composite comprising the aerogel-hollow particle binder composition, and a methods of preparing the aerogel-hollow particle binder composition and insulation composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paste, which can undergo screen printing, for producing a porous polymer membrane. Said paste contains at least one polymer, one or more solvents for the polymer having a boiling point of >100° C., one or more non-solvents for the polymers (pore-forming agents) having a higher boiling point than that of the solvent(s), and contains a hydrophilic viscosity modifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to expandable polyolefin particles containing expanding agents, said particles being coated with between 0.01 and 3 wt. % of a salt and/or an ester of a long-chained fatty acid, preferably with calcium stearate, in order to prevent agglutination during expansion.

Abstract: Polymer foams having a good balance of high sound absorption, low thermal conductivity and generally low water absorption are disclosed which are obtainable by perforating (i.e., hole punching) a polymer foam having a moderately large cell size (1.5 mm to 4 mm) and an open content not greater than 40 percent to increase the open cell content of the foam by at least about 10 percent relative to the non-perforated foam, the polymer foam matrix preferably made of a thermoplastic foam, such as a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resin, a high melt strength (HMS) polypropylene resin (PP), or a blend of an HMS PP resin and an LDPE resin, optionally containing a cell size enlarging agent such as glycerol monostearate, an antioxidant, carbon black and/or flame retardant additives, using a volatile organic compound, e.g. isobutane, as blowing agent.

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

Abstract: In a process for forming low-density foamed articles, a blend of foamable thermoplastic material and physical foaming agent concentrate is mixed and melted and expanded to form an extruded foam article.

Abstract: Devices and processes (e.g., improved Plasticized Melt Flow processes (PMF) or improved Phase Separation Polymer Concentration (PSPC), etc.) used to make resorbable and non-resorbable structures for treating and/or healing of tissue defects are disclosed. Among the advantages of using these improved processes are the preservation of molecular weight and the broadening of the processing conditions for temperature sensitive polymers and therapies (e.g. polylactide, polyglycolide, polycaprolactone or Cisplatin, etc.). This reduction in processing temperature, pressure and time can help to preserve the molecular weight and/or integrity of the final product or any additive incorporated therein. Additionally, pore size and shape tailoring can increase the osteoconductive nature of the device.

Abstract: An exotherm reducing additive including a tetrahalogenated ionic compound and an exotherm reducing additive composition for organic polymer compositions including an exotherm reducing-effective amount of the tetrahalogenated ionic compound, a solvent for the tetrahalogenated ionic compound, and a diluent compatible with the tetrahalogenated ionic compound, the solvent and the organic polymer composition, The tetrahalogenated ionic compound preferably is a tetrahalogenated borate, and more specifically lithium or sodium tetrafluoroborate. Organic polymer compositions containing the additive also are provided, as are methods incorporating the additive into the polymer compositions.

Abstract: This relates variously to techniques for comminuting polymeric foams, to techniques for preparing polymeric foams containing that comminuted foam, and to the resulting comminuted foam powder and polymeric foams. The procedures may be used on foams containing production contaminants such as polyolefins, paper, and foam skins and on other foams containing consumer contaminants such as wood, metal, leather, etc. The comminuted foam powder, with or without contaminants, preferably is screened or sifted to obtain a foam powder having a particle size of about 2 mm or less.

Abstract: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, with increasing the cell orientation and reducing cell anisotropic ratio, as well as the process method for making the products thereof for improving the insulating properties and for reducing the manufacturing cost of the foam products. Alternatively, foam insulating products having increased cell compressive strength may be made by decreasing the cell orientation and increasing the cell anisotropic ratio.

Abstract: A storage-stable moisture-curing one-component fire-retardant polyurethane system, useful as adhesive, sealant or coating material, comprising at least one hydrated mineral having a water-content of less than 0.1% and being treated with a moisture-reactive compound, and at least one binder on isocyanate basis. Such PU-systems preferably further comprise at least one phosphorus-containing compound, most preferably a phosphorus-containing plasticizer, which is preferably halogen-free. The binder on isocyanate basis has preferably an isocyanate content in the range of from 0.01 to 10% by weight referred to the total weight of the system.

Abstract: Granulated hydrophilic urethane polymer foam products with controlled release or contact of agents and additives, formed from the reaction product of an aqueous formulation comprising limited quantities of an absorbent polymer, an agent or additive from the group of detergents, soaps, abrasives, waxes, polishes, drugs, cosmetics, biologicals, volatiles, chemicals, water emulsions, water mixture with solid particles and optionally selective additives with adequate water and a predetermined ratio of hydrophilic urethane prepolymer to provide the polymerized solid. The agents and additives if any, are homogenously incorporated strands, fibers and intercellular structures of the matrix for the formed urethane polymer foam product to materially increase mass transfer between the agents and additives and a target in the effluent. The hydrophilic urethane polymer will allow intimate contact between agent/additive and effluent target.