Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a cork-like closure for bottle-like containers, by means of a physical blowing agent and said cork-like closures obtained by said method.

Abstract: Low density polymeric beads made by polymerizing monomeric building blocks into large crosslinked polymer molecules in porous, spherical bead form by droplet or suspension polymerization in the presence of a porogen.

Abstract: Methods for producing open-pore polymeric matrices prepared via gas induced phase inversion are provided. Matrices produced by these methods for various uses including medical implant devices, filtration/separation aids, and porous supports are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polyurethane foam shoe soles containing an additive comprising a mixture of polyethylene wax and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), and to polyol components containing the additive. The additive is produced to include the mixture at a density from greater than 0.97 to about 1.1 times the density of the polyol component.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of flexible to semi-rigid polyurethane shaped articles with a compacted edge zone of given hardness and a significantly more flexible cell core, so-called integral foams, in which non-combustible mixtures of fluoroalkanes which comprise 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (R 365mfc) are employed as physical blowing agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical component which is configured as a sandwich-type structure. In the interior of said structure, a support layer consisting of foamed plastic is arranged. Said support layer is placed between covering layers which consist of compact materials. All layers are produced from hardly inflammable plastic material, for example LCP or PEI plastics so that it is not necessary to add any flame-retardant additives. The component can be configured in the shape of a slab but it can also have a more complex three-dimensional structure and can optionally be provided with mechanical functional elements. Accordingly to an aspect of the invention, the support layer of the component can consist of silicone. The composition of the inventive component provides a means for simplifying recycling a product at the end of its lifetime.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing biodegradable porous polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering, comprising: a) fabricating a polymer sample from a polymer solution containing at least one biodegradable polymer and an effervescent mixture; b) effervescing the polymer sample in the presence of an effervescent medium such as an aqueous alcohol solution; and c) drying. The method for preparing biodegradable polymer scaffolds of the present invention has the advantages that the process is simple, that pore size can be easily controlled, that the problem caused by the secretion and existence of the toxic substance can be avoid by using a material harmless to human body, and that high efficiency can be achieved. In addition, biodegradable porous polymer scaffolds prepared by above method have the advantages that high porosity can be achieved and an open cell structure in which pores are interconnected is obtained.

Abstract: It has been found that non-chlorinated pentafluorobutane blowing agents may be used alone or in combination with water in flexible integral skin foams. For example, foams prepared using 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (HFC 365mfc) alone or in combination with water or other non-cholorinated hydrocarbons such as heptafluoropropane exhibit improved physical characteristics, such as resistance to abrasion and cracking, on flex comparable to conventional chlorinated fluorocarbon blown foam.

Abstract: To provide a foamed plastic provided with holes having a specified area at a specified aperture ratio. The holes are either a through-hole or a non-through-hole and properly provided. The foamed plastic is superior in sound absorbing property and has a strength. In the case of non-through-holes, the foamed plastic can beep a sound absorbing effect as well as a sound intercepting effect, and for example, when used as a cushioning material of collision to be used as the lower portion of a dash panel of a motorear, not only the cushioning of collision but also the absorption of noises from an engine can be achieved. On the other hand, a foamed plastic obtained by pre-foaming foamable beads and again foaming the pre-foamed beads is a foamed plastic having gas permeability, which is different from usual foamed plastics. In this case, when an air current resistance value is set within a specified range, an audible sound of a human being can be most effectively absorbed.

Abstract: Safety clothing is produced by molding polyether-based plastic-forming compositions. Particularly preferred articles of safety clothing produced by this process are safety shoe soles.

Abstract: The primary curing step of molding a heat curable silicone rubber composition loaded with a hollow filler of organic resin under such conditions that the hollow filler is not broken, is followed by the secondary curing step of curing the molded rubber under such conditions that the hollow filler is broken, thereby producing a low specific gravity silicone rubber elastomer having improved heat resistance and minimized changes with time of physical properties, without operational problems.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a polyurethane elastomer that has improved hydrolysis resistance. The polyurethane elastomer is made by reacting a polyol blend of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid based polyester polyol, an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid based polyester polyol, and a blowing agent. The polyol blend is reacted with an isocyanate terminated prepolymer. The aromatic dicarboxylic acid based polyester polyol is the reaction product of an aliphatic alcohol and ortho-phthalic acid. The aliphatic dicarboxylic acid based polyester polyol is the reaction product of adipic acid and glycols.

Abstract: Improvements for in-mold polyurethane foam and/or resin products and the ability to provide surface coatings of such products exhibiting bright coloration and reduced colorant migration through utilization of easy-to-use polymeric colorants in simplified and environmentally friendly processing methods are disclosed. The inventive surface coating formulations include polyurethane-reactive polymeric colorants admixed with prepolymer and excess amounts of certain isocyanate compounds. Such a composition is applied (by spraying, for example) to a polyurethane prepolymer (for the production of the internal polyurethane article) which is then introduced within a mold in order to form a particularly shaped or configured polyurethane article with a colored surface coating. Upon curing through exposure to heat, the coating composition reacts with the introduced polyurethane prepolymer to form a surface over the target internal polyurethane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gripping part such as a steering wheel and a grip, having a soft feeling equivalent to a RIM urethane and excellent sweat resistance, without the need of coating, which solves problems involved in RIM urethane steering wheels and grips including low productivity, low recycling property, and the like. That is, a gripping part comprising a foamed product of a thermoplastic elastomer with a 1.1 to 8.0 times expansion ratio, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is a polyurethane elastomer comprises a specific polymer polyol, a polyisocyanate, and as needed, a chain extending agent reactive with the polyisocyanate.

Abstract: The invention relates to integral skin foams and in particular to integral skin foams that are prepared using 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFA-245fa) alone or in combination with water as the blowing agent. The foams exhibit physical characteristics such as resistance to abrasion and cracking on flex comparable to conventional chlorinated fluorocarbon blown foams. The foams of the present invention are suitable for use in many applications including, for example, shoe soles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a viscoelastic damping foam with an adhesive surface for adhesion coupling to vibrating surfaces, for solid-borne sound absorption. The viscoelastic damping foam is obtained through the stoichiometric reaction of a polyisocyanate with at least two polyols of the polyether type which are incompatible with one another.

Abstract: Porous films are provided which include a blend of a film forming polymer and a non-film forming material, the film having a network of pores or channels throughout the film. The porous polymer films are formed between 0° and 80° C., retain porosity at elevated temperatures and are non-friable. A process for preparing porous polymer films and their applications are disclosed.

Abstract: A polyvinyl acetal sponge sheet of a porous structure having fine continuous pores and a film on the surface thereof. This sponge sheet can be used for a wiping material for car washing which does not leave unwiped portions during wiping after car washing and has a small frictional resistance and a high working factor.

Abstract: A core 3 is formed with an accommodating recess 9 for accommodating a foamed layer 7. An erected wall 11 of the core 3 around the accommodating recess 9 is formed at its intermediate position with a core side step 13 so that a bottom side portion of the accommodating recess 9 is narrower than an opening side portion thereof. A skin 5 has a peripheral erected part 17 covering the foamed layer 7. The peripheral erected part 17 of the skin 5 is formed at its intermediate position with a skin side step 19 that is located closer to the opening of the accommodating recess 9 than the core side step 13 and that is bent toward inside of the accommodating recess 9. An opening side portion 17a of the peripheral erected part 17 closer to the opening of the accommodating recess 9 than the skin side step 19 is pressed against an opening side portion 11a of the erected wall 11 closer to the opening of the accommodating recess 9 than the core side step 13.

Abstract: Safety clothing is produced by molding polyether-based plastic-forming compositions. Particularly preferred articles of safety clothing produced by this process are safety shoe soles.

Abstract: A surface decorated foam skin of cross-linked rubbery soft olefin resin, comprising rubbery soft olefin resin, characterizing by having (1) an average cell diameter of 50 to 400 &mgr;m, (2) a crystallinity of 5 to 40% (3) a hysteresis loss of 35% or lower, and (4) an embossing percentage of 40% or higher.

Abstract: Elastic polyurethane moldings having a compact surface and a cellular core are produced by reacting a) modified organic polyisocyanates with b) at least one relatively high molecular weight compound containing at least two reactive hydrogen atoms and, if desired, c) low molecular weight chain extenders in the presence of d) blowing agents, e) catalysts and, if desired, f) customary auxiliaries and/or additives in a closed mold with compaction, wherein the modified organic polyisocyanate used is at least one reaction product of pure MDI and at least one polyether alcohol (polyoxyalkylene polyol), the modified organic polyisocyanate having an NCO content of <15% by weight.

Abstract: A tapered stepped land having a choked funnel section which terminates in a lateral longitudinal section results in the formation of a foamed extrudate of a vulcanized blend of polyolefin and rubber which is a mass of closed cells having a specific gravity in the range from about 0.1 to 0.5 and the cells are sheathed in a dense non-porous, smoothly continuous skin which is formed integrally with the extrudate. The dense skin makes it possible to deposit a thin slip-coating of a low friction material longitudinally upon a chosen portion of the surface. An extruded weatherseal for the glass of an automobile's window has the slip-coating deposited as a thin film on a contacting strip of a surface which is in contact with the glass.

Abstract: The present invention provides microcellular articles, as well as methods and apparatuses for producing polymeric foams, and, in particular microcellular material. The methods involve forming a gas blanket within a polymer processing die that prevents contact between the polymer melt and surfaces of the die during extrusion. In one set of embodiments, the gas blanket is provided by gas diffusing out of surfaces of the nucleated polymer material. In other embodiments, the gas blanket is formed by introducing a gas from an external source into the polymer flow channel within the die. The dies, according to the invention, are specially configured to generate and to support the gas blanket. The extruded foams are free of surface defects that, typically, arise from contact between the polymer melt and the die surfaces.

Abstract: A polyurethane molding is composed of at least two different polyurethane materials, namely of a polyurethane gel and a polyurethane foam. The foam and the gel are arranged in layers one above another so that both materials act together as spring or damping element with respect to a load in the transverse direction. These moldings may preferably be used as seat cushions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing porous polymer materials by a combination of gas forming and particulate leaching steps. The invention is also directed to porous polymer material prepared by the process, particularly having a characteristic interconnected pore structure, and to methods for using such porous polymer material, particularly for tissue engineering.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic object may include the steps of: (a) providing an injection moulding device with a mould that includes two mould parts which in a closed position define a mould cavity; (b) providing foaming means for causing foaming in the mould cavity of plastic injected into the mould cavity; (c) providing blocking means for temporarily rendering the foaming means effectively inactive; (d) energizing the blocking means; (e) choosing as plastic a mixture of two plastics, wherein the first plastic is a non-type A plastic and the second plastic is a type A plastic that constitutes a maximum of roughly 30 percent by mass of the mixture, wherein the type A plastic is a plastic with high melt strength compatible with the first plastic, for instance HMS PP which is high-melt-strength polypropylene; (f) causing a formed object to cool to a chosen temperature, opening the mould cavity and removing the cooled object.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of polyurethane elastomers having low compression sets. The process comprises reacting A) an isocyanate component comprising methylene bis(phenyl isocyanate) containing the 2,4′-isomer of methylene bis(phenyl isocyanate), with B) an isocyanate-reactive component, optionally, in the presence of C) one or more additives. The reaction components are processed via the one-shot process at an isocyanate index of 90 to 130.

Abstract: In order to provide an open-celled rigid polyurethane foam, which realizes a low material cost per unit volume of the foam and excellent surface smoothness because of its unique structure, and a thermal insulation material comprising the foam, an open-celled rigid polyurethane foam which has an open cell content of not less than 99% in a state that a skin layer is left on the foam is produced by foam molding, preferably multiple-stage compression molding, of foaming components containing a polyol component and an isocyanate component with an equivalent ratio of NCO/OH of about 0.55-0.95, and a blowing agent, preferably water, and a thermal insulation material is produced from the foam preferably subjected to a baking treatment by means of far-infrared ray exposure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-expandable microcapsule produced from acrylonitrile and N-substituted maleimide as the main polymerizable monomers, or further a monomer giving a hompolymer having a Tg of 50 to 200° C. and polymerizable unsaturated carboxylic acid (including anhydrides), resin foam using this, and a process for producing a foamed resin composite. The present invention can provide a heat-expandable microcapsule that is less apt to color even upon thermal expansion at 200° C. or higher, and a resin foam and a foamed resin composite capable of forming a processed surface, e.g., a matte surface giving a bulky feeling, by using this microcapsule.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing flexible to semi-rigid polyurethane moulded items with compacted edge zones with given hardness and a much more flexible cellular core, so-called integral foams, in which physical blowing agents from the set comprising C6 hydrocarbons are used.

Abstract: A material for the production by extrusion or molding or calendering of light articles has a chemical formulation comprising at least a thermoplastic polymer. A predetermined amount of polymeric microspheres containing isopentane is added to said at least a thermoplastic polymer. A process for producing said material comprises a first step during which the thermoplastic polymer is mixed to further components (such as thermal stabilizers and/or costabilizers and/or additives) and a second step during which the mixture is granulated in order to obtain a granular compound. At the end of the first step, and advantageously immediately before the beginning of said second step, a predetermined amount of polymeric microspheres containing isopentane is added to the mixture. Said material is used for the production by injection molding or extrusion or calendering of light articles in the shoe industry, particularly of shoe soles.

Abstract: An improved cellular plastic material comprises a urethane foam that is the reaction product of soy oil, an isocyanate, and a cross linker. The soy oil replaces the polyol typically generally required in the production of urethanes. Because the replaced polyol is a petrochemical, use of a renewable and environmentally friendly material such as soy oil is most advantageous. Further, plastic materials of many final qualities may be formed using a single vegetable oil. In addition to cellular foams, solid plastic elastomers may be formed.

Abstract: In a process for producing self-releasing, compact or cellular moldings which comprise polyisocyanate polyaddition products and may contain reinforcing material by reacting a) organic and/or modified organic polyisocyanates with b) at least one compound containing at least two reactive hydrogen atoms and having a molecular weight of from 62 to 10,000 and, if desired, c) chain extenders and/or crosslinkers in the presence of d) internal mold release agents and in the presence of or absence of e) catalysts, f) blowing agents, g) reinforcing materials and h) auxiliaries in an open or closed mold, the internal mold release agents (d) used are diesters and/or monoesters of alkylsuccinic acids and/or diesters and/or monoesters of alkenylsuccinic acids.

Abstract: A soft polyurethane foam which has a rebound resilience percentage of not higher than 30% and whose temperature dependency of a compression force deflection that is represented by a difference between a 25%-compression force deflection value at -20.degree. C. and a 25%-compression force deflection value at +20.degree. C. is not larger than 0.030 kg/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: In a process for producing polyurethane foams, preferably semirigid polyurethane foams and flexible, semirigid and rigid polyurethane integral foams,a) at least one modified or unmodified organic polyisocyanate is reacted withb) at least one relatively high molecular weight compound containing at least two reactive hydrogens and, if desired,c) low molecular weight chain extenders and/or crosslinkers in the presence ofd) blowing agents, preferably water and/or (cyclo)alkanes,e) a catalyst mixture comprising, according to the invention,e') from 35 to 65 parts by weight of di-n-octyltin bis(2-ethylhexyl thioglycolate) ande") from 65 to 35 parts by weight of mono-n-octyltin tris(2-ethylhexyl thioglycolate) and also, if desired,e'") cocatalysts selected from the group of tertiary amines, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts of monocarboxylic acids having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms andf) if desired, additives,with the reaction for forming the polyurethane integral foams being carried out in a closed mold with

Abstract: Compositions and processing conditions are disclosed for the production by rotomolding of polypropylene foams, hither to satisfactorily produced only by injection molding and extrusion molding. Rheological properties of the polypropylene resin, processing conditions and choice of composition of the chemical blowing agent were found to play important roles in obtaining high quality polypropylene foam structures. High strength fine-cell polypropylene foams could in particular be formed by first melt compounding a suitable chemical blowing agent with the resin under conditions which allow for homogeneous mixing without appreciable decomposition of the blowing agent.

Abstract: A resin foamed product is formed of a resin, and closed cells dispersed in the resin. The resin with the closed cells therein has a shape-recoverable property at an ambient temperature, a closed cell rate higher than 30% and a compression permanent set lower than 10%. Thus, when contraction takes place in the resin with the closed cells, after a predetermined time has passed without providing an outer stimulation to the resin, a shape of the resin foamed product formed of the resin with the closed cells is automatically recovered at least in one direction without equally expanding in all directions.

Abstract: A headwear piece having a crown portion to extend at least partially around the head of a wearer to maintain the headwear piece in an operative position on a wearer's head and a bill projecting from the crown portion. The bill has a core element with a base layer made from expanded foam.

Abstract: Foamed articles having a closed cell structure formed from a polymer blend comprising at least 50% by weight of a styrenic polymer and up to 50% by weight of an acrylic polymer which has an average molecular weight which is less than 90% of that of the styrenic polymer which are significantly less dense than such articles prepared from the styrenic polymer alone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an opaque, biaxially oriented polymeric film having a thermoplastic polymer matrix material within which is located a stratum of voids. The voids are formed during orientation by a cavitating agent which is a particle of a cyclic olefinic copolymer. The solid particle is phase-distinct and incompatible with the matrix material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of synthetic polymeric microfiltration membrane materials that are fabricated to separate liquids from solids contained therein. One aspect of the invention relates to a highly asymmetric, hydrophilic microfiltration membrane with high surface porosity. The membrane is rendered hydrophilic through co-casting the sulfone polymer with a hydrophilic polymer, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone. The membranes of the invention are highly useful in testing devices for the quick detection of properties or components contained in liquid samples, such as diagnostic applications, as well as for other filtration applications that demand relatively large pore sizes, thick membranes, high asymmetry, and/or high lateral wicking speeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a flexible polyurethane foam from the reaction of a polyisocyanate composition prepared from the reaction of an excess of organic polyisocyanate and a polyether polyol having a high ethylene oxide content and an isocyanate reactive composition comprising a chain extending agent and a combination of a polyether polyol having a high ethylene oxide content and a random copolymer having a high ethylene oxide content, and the product prepared therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foamable composition comprising a low viscosity thermoplastic composition comprising at least one ethylene/.alpha.-olefin. The foamable composition may comprise a single ethylene/.alpha.-olefin or a blend of such. Optionally, the foamable composition may further comprise at least one diluent including waxes, plasticizers such as oil, tackifying resin, and mixtures thereof. The present invention also relates to a method of foaming such compositions and articles constructed therefrom. More specifically, the present invention relates to foamable thermoplastic compositions having particular utility as cabinet sealant and as foam layers in disposable articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent devices, medical devices such as bandages and dressings, as well as a variety of other uses.

Abstract: A foamed article having a closed cell structure formed from: (i) a polymer blend comprising at least 80% by weight of a styrenic polymer and up to 20% by weight of an acrylic polymer; and (ii) gaseous carbon dioxide blowing agent.

Abstract: A small amount of a non-yellowing surface-forming polyurethane material containing a polyether polyol, a hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer, a coloring agent and an organic bismuth catalyst is initially injected into a mold cavity under reduced pressure to form e.g. the surface portion of a polyurethane covering for a steering wheel. An inner-forming polyurethane material is subsequently injected into the cavity under reduced pressure to form an inner portion of the covering.

Abstract: Novel molding compositions consisting essentially of a mixture of a skin-forming component and a foam core-foaming component physically dry-blended together. The skin-forming component comprises two distinct phases blended together, a high zero-shear viscosity material and a low zero-shear viscosity material. The foam core-forming component preferably comprises a foamable polymeric material including a suitable blowing agent. In a preferred embodiment, the three materials are selected from suitable homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene.

Abstract: Improved compositions useful for the production of rotomolded articles having a foamed interior and non-foamed exterior skin are provided. The compositions of the invention are comprised of a first thermoplastic resin component which is an ethylene polymer in pellet form containing a chemical foaming agent, an organic peroxide and, optionally, a metal-containing activator compound and a second resin component which is a powder and can be a thermoplastic ethylene polymer or ethylene copolymer having less than 30% crystallinity. An improved one-step process for producing foamed rotomolded articles having foamed interiors and non-foamed exterior skins is also provided.

Abstract: It has been found that non-chlorinated pentafluoropropane blowing agents may be used alone or in combination with water in flexible integral skin foams. For example, foams prepared using 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFA-245fa) alone or in combination with water exhibit physical characteristics such as resistance to abrasion and cracking on flex comparable to conventional chlorinated fluorocarbon blown foams. The foams of the present invention are suitable for use in many applications including, for example, shoe soles.

Abstract: This invention relates to molded articles comprising micro cellular polyurethane foams, preferably integral skin foams. These exhibit improved properties and are particularly suitable for soling systems in footwear. The present invention also relates to a process for the production of these molded articles. These molded articles comprise the reaction product of (A) an isocyanate comprising a stable, liquid MDI based prepolymer containing an allophanate-modified MDI, with (B) an isocyanate reactive component, in the presence of (C) at least one blowing agent.