Abstract: The invention relates to the combined use of metal salts of ricinoleic acid with reactive amines in the preparation of polyurethane foams (PUR foams) and of their solutions in aqueous or organic solvents in the preparation of polyurethane foams in combination with reactive amines.

Abstract: Described are implements made from a durable HIPE foam material. The HIPE foam has a Toughness Index of at least 75 where the Toughness Index relates properties related to durability (e.g., density, tan[&dgr;] height, glass transition temperature, and abrasion resistance) into a single composite descriptor thereof. Exemplary implements include: wipes, toys, stamps, art media, targets, food preparation implements, plant care implements, and medical wraps.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) a porous polymer particle comprising a polymer substrate having ester bonds connected to a group containing a quaternary ammonium structure through a spacer molecule, (2) an alkali-resistant, high-strength porous polymer particle having ester bonds connected to a group containing a quaternary ammonium structure through a spacer molecule, a part of the ester bonds being saponified and converted to a hydroxyl group(s), (3) a porous polymer particle comprising a polymer substrate having ester bonds connected to a group containing a quaternary ammonium structure through a spacer molecule, the porous polymer particles being treated with an alkaline solution to generate a hydroxyl and/or a carboxyl group on a surface of the substrate, (4) an anion exchanger comprising any one of the particles (1) to (3) above, (5) a packing material for anion chromatography comprising the anion exchanger (4) above, (6) a column for anion chromatography using the anion exchanger (4) above, and (7) a method for meas

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of making polyurethane derivatives which can be readily further derivatized using stabilizing agents such as anti-calcification agents, anti-thrombogenesis agents, and chemical and mechanical degradation-inhibiting agents. The invention also includes methods of making polyurethane derivatives so further derivatized and to polyurethanes derivatives made using such methods.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor which is tailored for sensitivity to specific chemical analytes by selecting proper constituents. The electrochemical sensor is comprised of an immiscible polymer blend of at least two polymers in which a conductive filler is dispersed in one of the polymers of the blend through a multiple percolation approach to compounding. When in the presence of a chemical analyte which is in either a liquid or vapor phase, one phase of the dual immiscible polymer blend swells, effecting a decrease in the conductivity, or increase in resistivity, of the polymer blend. The electrochemical sensor is reversible in that when the chemical analyte evaporates or is removed, the polymer blend returns to its original conductivity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing material for purification of physiological liquids of organism. A material has a size, shape and structure selected so as to remove toxic compounds in the molecular range of 300 to 3000 Dalton, and the material is produced from a porous hydrophobic divinylbenzne copolymer, which initially has surface exposed vinyl groups, in which thereafter the vinyl groups are chemically modified so as to form different surface exposed functional groups with a greater hydrophilicity and greater biocompatibility than those of the vinyl groups.

Abstract: Silylated organic gels can be prepared by the removing substantially all of the water from polyhydroxy benzene-formaldehyde gels, followed by silylation. These silylated organic gel compositions comprise from about 0.01% to about 25% by weight silicon.

Abstract: From an environmental viewpoint, it is desireable to cause degradation of expanded EPS beads and foam cups and other products formed from expanded EPS beads, which are composed of polystyrene and a blowing agent such as pentane. For this purpose, the present invention utlizes the pre-expansion step as an opportunity to initiate foam product degradation by treating the expandable polymer beads during their pre-expansion. The objective of this degradation treatment is to initiate degradation of at least the surfaces of individual beads during their pre-expansion and before they are molded into the final foam articles. For this purpose, a number of degradation treatment options are disclosed for application during bead pre-expansion, including heating the beads by circulation with heated air, admixture of the beads with ozone, aromatic ketones such as acetophenone and benzophenone, and metallic salts, as well as irradiation of the expanding beads with uv radiation (e.g of a wavelength of about 260 nanometers).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of high surface area, low-swelling macroporous polymeric adsorbents is disclosed. The use of organic sulfonic acids to provide postcrosslinking of macroporous copolymers eliminates the need for traditional organic swelling solvents and Lewis-acid catalysts used to provide conventional macronetted polymers. In particular, methanesulfonic acid provides macroporous polymeric adsorbents having high surface area and porosity, low levels of residual vinyl groups, and free of residual contaminants from conventional Lewis-acid/Friedel-Crafts reactions.

Abstract: Control of high density polyethylene resin melt strength and melt viscosity is useful for producing foamed articles. The foamed articles are produced by compounding high density polyethylene with a peroxide and/or electron beam exposure.

Abstract: Foamable modified polystyrene resin particles (E) comprising a particle of a modified polystyrene resin (C) containing a blowing agent (D), wherein the modified polystyrene resin (C) comprises conjugated diene polymer rubber particles (B) dispersed uniformly throughout a polystyrene resin (A) and when the foamable modified polystyrene resin particle (E) is expanded, there is substantially no deformation of the rubber particles (B) before and after the expansion. A foamed article of a modified polystyrene resin which has a cell membrane of the modified polystyrene resin comprising a polystyrene resin and conjugated diene polymer rubber particles dispersed uniformly throughout the polystyrene resin and has a fusion rate of not less than 50%, wherein the rubber particles maintain substantially spherical form in the cell membrane.

Abstract: Porous polymeric materials are hardened by a process of plasma-annealing, involving treatment of at least one surface with a gas plasma formed by glow discharge through a gas containing a saturated alkane or an acetylene. Plasma-annealed porous polymers with reduced adsorption toward proteins were obtained by exposure to a glow discharge through a gas mixture containing an alkane such as methane in combination with oxygen, air, or a hydrophilic unsaturated organic monomer. For example, porous polysulfone sheet and hollow fiber were plasma-annealed by treatment with a gas plasma containing methane and air or acrylic acid with simultaneous deposition of a hydrophilic polymerizate thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of metal salts of ricinoleic acid or solutions thereof in water or in organic solvents in producing polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A porous article wherein a sulfur containing atomic group is introduced onto at least a part of outer-inner surfaces of the article, a ratio (S/C) of the number of sulfur atoms (S) to the number of carbon atoms (C) on the surface onto which the sulfur containing atomic group is introduced is 7×10−4 or more, a ratio (O/C) of the number of oxygen atoms (O) to the number of carbon atoms (C) on the surface onto which the sulfur containing atomic group is introduced is 0.2 or more, and the ratio (S/C) and the ratio (O/C) are determined by means of an X-ray photoelectron spectrophotometer is disclosed.

Abstract: A conductive elastomeric foam composite is presented, comprising an elastomer foam and polypyrrole, thiophene, or aniline and derivatives thereof. The foam is manufactured by first diffusing an oxidant into the dense polymer phase of a solvent-swollen foam and then diffusing pyrrole or pyrrole derivative vapor or solution into the dried foam, resulting in an in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole at the oxidant site. Only about 5 wt % of conductive polymer is required for observing an insulator to conductor transition. The conductivity of the composite foam can be effectively controlled between 10.sup.-7 and 10.sup.-1 S/cm by varying either the amount of oxidant used and/or the copolymer composition.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of high surface area, low-swelling macroporous polymeric adsorbents is disclosed. The use of organic sulfonic acids to provide postcrosslinking of macroporous copolymers eliminates the need for traditional organic swelling solvents and Lewis-acid catalysts used to provide conventional macronetted polymers. In particular, methanesulfonic acid provides macroporous polymeric adsorbents having high surface area and porosity, low levels of residual vinyl groups, and free of residual contaminants from conventional Lewis-acid/Friedel-Crafts reactions.

Abstract: A water-absorbent resin is produced by crushing a mass of crosslinked hydrogel polymer having high adhesion and elastic properties without kneading it, and drying the crushed crosslinked hydrogel polymer. In the case when the crosslinked hydrogel polymer includes cells therein, the crosslinked hydrogel polymer is crushed so as to restrain reduction in the number of cells contained in the crosslinked hydrogel polymer. The crosslinked hydrogel polymer is crushed by any of crushing methods including: shearing the crosslinked hydrogel polymer with a fixed blade and a rotary blade; cutting the crosslinked hydrogel polymer with a cutter having a pair of rotary blades that are mounted on different shafts and rotate while at least partly overlapping each other; cutting the crosslinked hydrogel polymer with a cutter having a rotary blade using a lubricant; and crushing the crosslinked hydrogel polymer after freezing.

Abstract: Porous organic articles having no surface functionality may be treated by remote plasma discharge to thereby introduce functionality to the surface of the article. The functionality is introduced throughout the article's surface, including the exterior surface and the surfaces of the pores. Little or no degradation of the porous organic article occurs as a result of the functionalization. Amino, hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxyl groups may be introduced to the article. In this way, an essentially inert hydrophobic porous article, made from, for example, polyethylene, can have its surface modified so that the surface becomes hydrophilic. The remote plasma discharge process causes essentially no change in the bulk properties of the organic article. The remote plasma discharge process is preferably conducted so that no photons, and particularly no ultraviolet radiation, is transmitted from the plasma glow to the porous article.

Abstract: A process for recycling of packings containing reactive residues wherein the packings are introduced into a cold zone and cooled until the residues contained therein solidify and are then crushed in the cooled state, the crushed packings are divided into a fraction containing the reactive residues and at least one further fraction, the residue-containing fraction is introduced into a mixing zone into which an agent reactive with the residues is simultaneously introduced, optionally together with a catalyst, the temperature in the mixing zone being held below the softening temperature of the residues and the reactive agent, and the resulting mixture of residue-containing fraction and reactive agent and optionally catalyst is brought to a temperature sufficient for reaction and reacted in a reaction zone.

Abstract: A method for treating a dried monolithic aerogel containing non-dispersed particles, with an organometallic surface modifying agent to produce hydrophobic aerogels. The dried, porous hydrophobic aerogels contain a protective layer of alkyl groups, such as methyl groups, on the modified surfaces of the pores of the aerogel. The alkyl groups at the aerogel surface typically contain at least one carbon-metal bond per group.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of water-absorbent agent powders of the present invention is a method of a reducing an amount of a residue of an epoxy crosslinking agent remaining therein by adding a nucleophilic reagent in a form of powder to surface region crosslinked water-absorbent resin powders having a carboxyl group under an applied heat in which the residue of the crosslinking agent remains. Since the method permits an amount of the residue of the crosslinking agent to be reduced by adding a nucleophilic reagent to the heated water-absorbent resin powders, the water-absorbent agent powders exhibiting well-balanced properties which are mutually negatively correlated from one another, i.e., high absorbency under pressure, a reduced amount of a residue of the epoxy crosslinking agent and a high absorbing rate compared with the conventional surface region crosslinked water-absorbent resin powders can be achieved.

Abstract: Control of polyethylene melt strength and melt viscosity has been used to produce foamed articles.

Abstract: There is now provided a closed cell rigid polyisocyanate based foam blown with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon and formic acid as blowing agents, which possesses a uniform density gradient varying by not more than 10 percent. There is also now provided a polyol composition and a froth foaming mixture having good flow by employing a polyol and formic acid in the presence of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon having a boiling point of 300K or less as co-blowing agents. The polyol composition advantageously has an average OH number of less than 400 and an average functionality of greater than 4, which when reacted with the isocyanate in the presence of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon, yields a rigid closed cell polyisocyanate based dimensionally stable foam having a fine cell structure.

Abstract: Expandable, rubber-modified styrene polymers for elastic polystyrene foams comprisea) a continuous phase comprising polystyrene or a styrene copolymer containing at most 50% of copolymerized comonomers andb) from 5 to 30% by weight of a butadiene-styrene block copolymer dispersed therein,and also a low-boiling blowing agent. The rubber particles have a compact lamellar structure without polystyrene inclusions. The expandable styrene polymers are prepared by polymerization of styrene in the presence of the block copolymer and impregnation with the blowing agent.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to immobilizing particulate matter contained in a "packed" bed reactor so as to prevent powder migration, compaction, coalescence, or the like. More specifically, this invention relates to a technique for immobilizing particulate materials using a microporous foam-like polymer such that a) the particulate retains its essential chemical nature, b) the local movement of the particulate particles is not unduly restricted, c) bulk powder migration and is prevented, d) physical and chemical access to the particulate is unchanged over time, and e) very high particulate densities are achieved. The immobilized bed of the present invention comprises a vessel for holding particulate matter, inlet and an outlet ports or fittings, a loosely packed bed of particulate material contained within the vessel, and a three dimensional porous matrix for surrounding and confining the particles thereby fixing the movement of individual particle to a limited local position.

Abstract: A method of making a microporous carbon material which includes providing a precursor selected from the group consisting of crystalline salts of aromatic sulfonates and nonporous polymeric salts. Prior to carbonization, the precursor is treated by ion exchange or other conventional processes to introduce a metal such as iron, nickel and cobalt into the precursor. Heat treatment of such composite precursors in the temperature range of 350.degree. to 850.degree. C. in an inert oxygen free atmosphere for a sufficient time promotes thermally induced hydrogen abstraction and rearrangement of BSUs which result in the formation of a composite, carbonaceous microporous material which contains a metal component, and has a pore size distribution in the range of about 4-15 .ANG. A. The structural and storage characteristics of the microporous carbon materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rebond foam comprising a plurality of isocyanate-based polymeric foam pieces bonded to one another with an isocyanate-based binder is disclosed. A superabsorbent material is comprised in one or both of the isocyanate-based polymeric foam pieces and the isocyanate-based binder. The rebond foam is capable of: (i) absorbing at least about 5 times its weight of a 0.9 wt./wt. % aqueous NaCl solution maintained at a temperature of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C., and (ii) retaining at least about 5 times its weight of absorbed aqueous NaCl solution which is bound to the superabsorbent material. A process for producing a rebond foam is also disclosed.

Abstract: Biodegradable foamed articles having density comprised from 5 to 300 kg/m.sup.3 obtained by agglomeration of foamed particles having composition comprising a thermoplastic starchy material or a thermoplastic natural polymer capable of absorbing water when converted into the thermoplastic state, a thermoplastic polymer, and water.

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: There is now provided a closed cell rigid polyisocyanate based foam blown with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon and formic acid as blowing agents, which possesses a uniform density gradient varying by not more than 10 percent. There is also now provided a polyol composition and a froth foaming mixture having good flow by employing a polyol and formic acid in the presence of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon having a boiling point of 300 K or less as co-blowing agents. The polyol composition advantageously has an average OH number of less than 400 and an average functionality of greater than 4, which when reacted with the isocyanate in the presence of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon, yields a rigid closed cell polyisocyanate based dimensionally stable foam having a fine cell structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evacuated and unevacuated microcellular foam containing an infrared attenuating agent (IAA). The evacuated foam has an average cell size of about 70 micrometers or less. The unevacuated foam has an average cell size of 1.0 micrometers or less. The IAA provide a greater proportional reduction in foam thermal conductivity in these foams than in foams of larger cell size. Further disclosed is a method of using the foams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to powdery, insoluble, water-swellable, cross-linked polymers absorbing water, aqueous or serous liquids, which are formed ofa) 55-99.9%-wt. polymerized unsaturated, polymerizable acid-groups--comprising monomers which are neutralized to the extent of at least 25 mol-%,b) 0-40%-wt. polymerized unsaturated monomers which are co-polymerizable with a),c) 0.1-5.0%-wt. of a cross-linking agent, andd) 0-30%-wt. of a water-soluble polymer,with the weight amounts of a) to d) being relative to anhydrous polymer, and the polymer powder is heated with an at least bifunctional compound reactive with acid groups to a temperature of 150.degree. C.-250.degree. C. under cross-linkage of the surface, and the polymer powder that is thus already surface-cross-linked is subjected to a repeated surface-cross-linking treatment using an at least bifunctional compound reactive with acid groups at a temperature of 150.degree. to 250.degree. C.

Abstract: A crosslinked PVP-I.sub.2 foam product, useful as an iodophor, contains about 0.1-2% crosslinker and about 16-18% total inorganic iodine.

Abstract: Biodegradable foamed articles having density comprised from 5 to 300 kg/m.sup.3 obtained by agglomeration of foamed particles having composition comprising a thermoplastic starchy material or a thermoplastic natural polymer capable of absorbing water when converted into the thermoplastic state, a thermoplastic polymer, and water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are surface activated, organic polymers useful for biopolymer synthesis. Most preferably, aminated polypropylene is used for the synthesis of oligonucleotides thereto, and these devices are most preferably utilized for genetic analysis of patient samples.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrophilic membranes using at least one hydrophobic polymer and polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a hydrophilic polymer, membrane-forming shaping of the polymers and immobilization of the polyvinyl pyrrolidone is characterized in that the polyvinyl pyrrolidone is immobilized on and/or in the membrane by treatment with an aqueous solution of peroxodisulphate in a hot condition. The solution of peroxodisulphate is kept substantially free of oxygen during immobilization by degassing the solution. The membranes are used for hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration of blood.

Abstract: Unimolecular micelles, generally referred to as cascade polymers, are constructed via the addition of successive layers, or tiers, of designed monomers, or building blocks, that possess a predetermined, branched superstructure consisting of connected physical matter inherently defining an internal void volume or void area within the molecular framework. Reactive sites located on the framework and hence within the void regions are capable of being chemically transformed to allow covalent and noncovalent incorporation of one or more guest species into the said void regions. Further, a method is described for making such cascade polymers that includes the steps of forming a unimolecular micelle containing internal void areas with accessible reactive sites capable of bonding to at least one guest after construction of the said unimolecular micelle. The guests are contained within the internal void volume of the cascade polymer and are available and accessible for additional chemical modification.

Abstract: Process for removing unwanted material from wanted material containing water by bringing an isocyanate-containing prepolymer into contact with the materials, allowing the prepolymer to react with the water to form a flexible foam and removing the foam obtained from the wanted material.

Abstract: A carboxylic containing superabsorbent polymer having a swell rate of at least 0.3 g./g.sec., a gel strength of about 40,000 to about 150,000 dynes/cm.sup.2, a centrifuge capacity at 30 minutes of about 20 to about 50 g/g, an absorption permeability under pressure at 60 minutes of at least 5 g/g at wherein the ratio of the absorption permeability under pressure at 15 minutes is at least 25% of the absorption permeability under pressure at 60 minutes is disclosed. The superabsorbent polymer is prepared from a solution of carboxylic containing monomers, a cross linking agent, and a blowing agent. The polymer is subsequently treated with a surface crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A carboxylic containing superabsorbent polymer having a swell rate of at least 0.3 g./g.sec., a gel strength of about 40,000 to about 150,000 dynes/cm.sup.2, a centrifuge capacity at 30 minutes of about 20 to about 50 g/g, an absorption permeability under pressure at 60 minutes of at least 5 g/g at wherein the ratio of the absorption permeability under pressure at 15 minutes is at least 25% of the absorption permeability under pressure at 60 minutes is disclosed. The superabsorbent polymer is prepared from a solution of carboxylic containing monomers, a cross linking agent, and a blowing agent. The polymer is subsequently treated with a surface crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Flexible, porous, absorbent polymeric macrostructures having flexibility even after extended periods at elevated temperatures and/or low humidities are disclosed. The macrostructure comprises an interparticle crosslinked aggregate and an effective amount of a suitable plasticizer. The macrostructures are suitable for use, for example, in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers.

Abstract: Unimolecular micelles, generally referred to as cascade polymers, are constructed via the addition of successive layers, or tiers, of designed monomers, or building blocks, that possess a predetermined, branched superstructure consisting of connected physical matter inherently defining an internal void volume or void area within the molecular framework. Each of the branches define a flexible arm from a central core atom and terminate with a hydrodynamic reactive group. A method is described for manipulating such cascade polymers.

Abstract: Polymeric adsorbent resins having both the high capacity associated with microporosity and the favorable kinetics associated with mesoporosity and macroporosity are useful for the chromatographic separation of organic compounds. These resins are prepared by alkylene bridging haloalkylated, porogen modified, crosslinked copolymers.

Abstract: Low thermal conductivity insulation for refrigerators and the like is produced by blowing a resinous foam in an inert (e.g., nitrogen) atmosphere with a mixture of carbon dioxide and a low thermal conductivity inert gas such as krypton or xenon. The foam is then sealed in a gas-impervious enclosure and carbon dioxide is removed therefrom, typically by inclusion in said enclosure of a solid material reacted therewith such as an alkaline reagent. The final partial pressure of the low thermal conductivity gas in the enclosure is in the range of about 20-200 torr, and the total pressure is up to 110% of said partial pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed are graft copolymers of polyolefins and a method of preparing said graft copolymers. The method comprises irradiating a mass of olefin polymer particles and thereafter treating the mass of particles with a vinyl monomer in liquid form. A nonoxidizing environment is maintained throughout the process while free radicals produced in the olefin polymer by the irradiation are present, thereby preventing degradation of the polymer. In a final step, residual free radicals are deactivated, and any unreacted monomer is removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrophobic porous membrane with a polymer having fluorinated alkyl side chains held in physical contact with the surface of a polyolefin porous membrane in which the fluorinated alkyl side chains of the polymer are crystallized, as well as its manufacturing process. Also disclosed is a hydrophobic porous membrane with a fluorinated crosslinked polymer from a fluorinated monomer with a fluorinated alkyl side chain and a crosslinking monomer held in physical contact with the surface of a polyolefin porous membrane, in which the fluorinated alkyl side chains of the fluorinated crosslinked polymer are crystallized, as well as its manufacturing process. These porous membranes use polyolefin porous membranes having a higher mechanical strength and lower costs than the fluorinated polymer porous membranes and still provide superior hydrophobicity over polytetrafluoroethylene type membranes.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polymer having improved absorption under pressure and fast absorption rate is obtained by first providing a solution containing carboxylic acid monomers or water soluble salts thereof, and a crosslinking agent. A carbonate blowing agent and a polymerization initiator are added, individually or in combination, to the solution to form a carbonated monomer solution. A polymerization initiator is then added to the carbonated monomer solution which is then polymerized at temperatures ranging from about 0.degree. C. to about 130.degree. C., forming a microcellular hydrogel. The microcellular hydrogel is chopped or ground into gel pieces having a particle diameter ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 5.0 cm. The gel pieces are dried at temperatures ranging from about 85.degree. C. to about 210.degree. C., and are then ground to form a polymer having a particle size of from about 0.05 mm to about 5.0 mm. A mixture is formed from 100 parts by weight of the polymer and about 0.

Abstract: Unimolecular micelles, generally referred to as cascade polymers, are constructed via the addition of successive layers, or tiers, of designed monomers, or building blocks, that possess a predetermined, branched superstructure consisting of connected physical matter inherently defining an internal void volume or void area within the molecular framework. Reactive sites located on the framework and hence within the void regions are capable of being chemically transformed to allow covalent and noncovalent incorporation of one or more guest species into the said void regions. Further, a method is described for making such cascade polymers that includes the steps of forming a unimolecular micelle containing internal void areas with accessible reactive sites capable of bonding to at least one guest after construction of the said unimolecular micelle. The guests are contained within the internal void volume of the cascade polymer and are available and accessible for additional chemical modification.

Abstract: A method for preparing an improved porous polymer bead which comprises the following steps: introducing a mixture comprising a purified monomer, initiator and pore-forming agent into a 4-necked reactor with a suspension stabilizer and aqueous solution, suspending the mixture to provide homogeneous organic droplets at a temperature sufficiently low so as not to decompose the initiator, increasing the temperature gradually to a final reaction temperature and maintaining the temperature at the final temperature to react completely by suspension-polymerization the monomers in the individual organic droplet to provide the porous polymer bead, separating the bead, washing the bead with water, acetone and tetrahydrofuran, successively, and drying the bead, precipitating the bead in a solution mixed with monomer nd thinner to fill the pores of the porous bead with the diluted monomers, and introducing in a 4-necked reactor with a suspension stabilizer and aqueous solution, and by suspension-polymerization again, to c

Abstract: A polyurethane foam web with a thickness of 5 mm to 30 mm is passed continuously through a dipping bath and is thereby impregnated with 10% to 1000% by weight of a polymer dispersion consisting of the components A) and B) defined below:A) 30% to 65% by weight, preferably 40% to 60% by weight and particularly preferably 45% to 50% by weight of a cationic styrene/butadiene copolymer latex containing about 50% of dry substance, or of an anionic butadiene/acrylonitrile copolymer latex, andB) 10% to 50% by weight, preferably 15% to 40% by weight and particularly preferably 25% to 35% by weight of an inorganic and/or organic pulverulent filler,and the foam web treated in this way is compressed to remove excess liquid and then dried in a drying oven at temperatures of 80.degree. C. to 120.degree. C.