Abstract: A tennis ball including a spherical hollow elastomeric core having a specific gravity of less than 1 and a thickness of at least 4.5 mm, and a textile layer covering the spherical elastomeric hollow core. The spherical hollow core has an initial internal pressure of no greater than 5 psi. The tennis ball has a first tennis ball rebound height when measured at a first time when the tennis ball is unused and a second tennis ball rebound height measured after the tennis ball is exposed to atmospheric pressure for four months following the first time and is unused. The second tennis ball rebound height being at least 96% of the first tennis ball rebound height.

Abstract: A method of repairing a surface defect with a patch is provided. A fibrous substrate is impregnated with a formulation that includes a polyester resin, a crosslinking agent, a solvent, and a particulate filler. The fibrous substrate is contacted with the surface defect. The formulation is exposed to actinic radiation to induce cure of the formulation to form the patch to repair the surface defect. A kit is also provided that includes a bottle containing the formulation. A sheet of fibrous support material is also provided that is adapted to receive the formulation therethrough. Instructions for repairing a surface defect by the aforementioned method are also provided as part of the kit. 3D printing of an article to fit in the surface defect is also disclosed.

Abstract: Heat-expandable microspheres including a thermoplastic resin shell and a thermally-vaporizable blowing agent encapsulated therein. The thermoplastic resin is a polymer of a polymerizable component containing a cross-linkable monomer (A) which has at least two (meth)acryloyl groups per molecule and a reactive carbon-carbon double bond in addition to the (meth)acryloyl groups and has a molecular weight of at least 500. Also disclosed are hollow resin particles manufactured by expanding the heat-expandable microspheres; fine-particle-coated hollow resin particles including the hollow resin particles; a composition including a base component and the heat-expandable microspheres, or hollow resin particles, or fine-particle coated hollow resin particles; and a formed article manufactured by forming the composition.

Abstract: A wheel chock has a body with a shell and filled core construction capable of supporting high chocking loads while being relatively lightweight and portable. The chock includes walls sized and shaped to support large-diameter wheels such as wheels of large haul vehicles and mining trucks. The chock can be sized proportional to the radius of the wheel to be retained or based on the radius of curvature of a wall configured to primarily support the outer surface of the wheel. The chock can have a cut off or flattened toe or front surface that reduces weight and helps to ensure that the entire chock is load-bearing when in a chocking position. The chock can also have a flattened top surface to support the outer surface of a tire that deforms around the chock while it is being retained by the chock.

Abstract: An optical laminated member having an antiglare hard coat layer and a clear hard coat layer sequentially laminated on at least one side of a transparent polymer substrate, the antiglare hard coat layer being a cured layer of a coating composition for forming an antiglare layer and having continuous random irregularities on its surface, and a ten-point average roughness RzJIS of a surface of the antiglare hard coat layer is 0.1 to 2 ?m, the clear hard coat layer is a cured layer of a clear hard coating composition, the clear hard coat layer is laminated on a part of the antiglare hard coat layer.

Abstract: A technique for protecting joints in pavement structures includes applying a hardener/densifier to one or more surfaces that define a joint in a pavement structure and, optionally, to portions of one or more surfaces that are located adjacent to the joint. One or more other compounds, such as hydrophobic materials, water-resistant materials, anti-scaling compounds, anti-wear compounds, multi-functional blended compositions and the like, may also be applied to the surfaces that define a joint and/or to portions of one or more surfaces that are adjacent to the joint. A seal may also be formed in a joint in a pavement structure. Joints that have been protected in accordance with teachings of this disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sock with zones of varying numbers of layers is formed as a single tube on a circular knitting machine. At least one end of the tube is doubled back over a portion of the remainder of the tube to form a double layer first zone. The sock further includes a single layer zone adjacent to the double layer first zone, where no such folding occurs. Optionally, a second end of the tube may also be folded to create a third zone having two layers of material.

Abstract: A melamine/formaldehyde foam having an open-cell foam structure, with an impregnation applied to the foam structure that comprises at least one particulate phyllosilicate surface-modified with aminosilane and at least one anionically- and/or nonionically-stabilized polyurethane dispersion.

Abstract: Material compositions have multifunctionality in abatement of water pollution: They are capable of removing hydrocarbons along with various types of other pollutants, such as metals and metal oxides, and phosphates and other organic material, from water streams. In certain embodiments, the multifunctional compositions are comprised of biochar particles, activated carbon particles, or metal (or metal oxide) nanoparticles bound to a cellulosic or other organic matrix material, which are adhered to styrene-butadiene-styrene granules embedded in an M-Class rubber matrix. Methods of synthesis of the multifunctional compositions and products, including filter cartridges and filters, that use such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A separation membrane sheet that causes a specific fluid component to selectively permeate therethrough, comprises: a first porous layer; and a resin composition layer formed on the first porous layer. The resin composition layer has a filtration residue fraction of greater than or equal to 20% and less than or equal to 90%; and contains a resin having an ionic group or a salt thereof, and has an ion exchange capacity of greater than or equal to 1 millimole equivalent per 1 g of a dry resin in a filtration residue.

Abstract: A composite material includes a base resin, a heat dissipation filler that is mixed into the base resin, hollow particles that are mixed into the base resin, hollow particles that are mixed into the base resin, and bubbles that are formed in the base resin.

Abstract: A method for producing a millable silicone rubber sponge is a method for producing a millable silicone rubber sponge with an open cell ratio of not lower than 20%, comprising: performing a heat treatment on a silicone rubber composition at 200° C. or higher, the silicone rubber composition containing: (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule and a polymerization degree of not lower than 3,000; (B) a reinforcing silica; (C) thermally expandable microcapsules exhibiting an expansion starting temperature of 90 to 150° C., and contracting from a maximum expansion volume by 20% or more when heated at 200° C. for 5 min; (D) a curing agent; and (E) an open cell-forming agent which is a solid high temperature decomposition-type organic foaming agent having a decomposition starting temperature of not lower than. 180° C., and starting to decompose after the component (A) is cured.

Abstract: A process for making a three dimensional foam article of non-uniform shape employs a two-stage nitrogen autoclave process and a pre-form which has a non-uniform cross-section in at least one dimension.

Abstract: A method of purifying a cyclic ester, the method including: granulating a crude cyclic ester, an average particle size of resulting granules being 0.05-1.00 mm; adding the granules to 0-4° C. water to yield a mixture, a mass ratio of the water to the granules being (0.5-2):1; stirring the mixture, and performing solid-liquid separation on the mixture; repeating the stirring and solid-liquid separation for 1-4 times, to yield a purified cyclic ester; drying the purified cyclic ester at 0-4° C. and at an absolute pressure of less than or equal to 10 pascal for 4-6 hours, and continually drying the purified cyclic ester at 40-60° C. and at an absolute pressure of less than or equal to 5 pascal for 1-2 hours.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an additive as well as a process to improve the adhesion of a mortar to a building substrate, wherein the mortar is mixed with said additive and is applied to a building substrate selected from the group of polystyrene-containing substrates, polyolefin-containing substrates or polyvinyl chloride-containing substrates, the additive containing (i) a plasticizer that is liquid at 50° C. or lower, has a boiling point of 100° C. or higher, and that has a solubility parameter ? 25° C. between 22.5 MPa1/2 and MPa1/2; (ii) optionally, a filler that has a BET surface area of at least 40 m2/g; (iii) optionally, a biopolymer, (iv) optionally, a protective colloid; and (v) optionally, a water-insoluble film-forming (co)polymer based on ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The invention also covers an additive and a kit of parts suitable for use in the above process.

Abstract: A process for production of expanded thermoplastic elastomer beads in the presence of a gaseous medium that surrounds thermoplastic elastomer beads. The process comprises a) an impregnating step, in which the gaseous medium has an impregnating temperature Ta, and the absolute pressure of the gaseous medium is greater than ambient pressure, the thermoplastic elastomer beads impregnated with a blowing agent, b) an expanding step, in which the thermoplastic elastomer beads expand as they are exposed to a pressure reduction at a first expanding temperature Tb, and c) optionally a fusing step, in which the expanded thermoplastic elastomer beads are fused together at a fusing temperature Tc to form at least one shaped part.

Abstract: Aerogel compositions, methods for preparing the aerogel compositions, articles of manufacture that include or are made from the aerogel compositions are described and uses thereof. The aerogels include a branched polyimide matrix with little to no crosslinked polymers.

Abstract: Spherical heat foamable pellets (2) are used for reinforcing honeycomb structures (4). The pellets are preferably of average diameter from 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm and preferably at least 80% of the pellets have a diameter in this range. The pellets can form a free flowing stream which can be poured into the cells (5) of the honeycomb where they can be foamed by heating to form a reinforcing foam which can also bond the honeycomb structure to facing sheets. It is preferred that the pellets are based on a thermosetting resin and contain a curing agent that can cure the foamed resin to produce an integral rigid reinforcing foam within the cells of the honeycomb.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition is provided including at least the following component [A], component [B], and component [C] or [D] wherein cured product obtained by curing the epoxy resin composition has a rubbery state modulus in dynamic viscoelasticity evaluation of 10 MPa or less, and the cured product has a glass transition temperature of at least 95° C.; [A] an aromatic epoxy resin having a functionality of at least 3, [B] an aromatic diamine having a substituent at ortho position of each amino group or a cycloalkyldiamine wherein the carbon atom adjacent to the carbon atom bonded to each amino group has a substituent, [C] an aliphatic polyamine having an alkylene glycol structure, [D] a straight chain or branched aliphatic polyamine containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Lignocellulose composite products that include a hydrophobizing agent. The lignocellulose composite product can include a plurality of lignocellulose substrates, an at least partially cured binder composition, and a hydrophobizing agent. In one example, the hydrophobizing agent can include about 30 wt % to about 98 wt % of a fatty acid compound, about 0.1 wt % to about 15 wt % of a rosin acid compound, and about 1 wt % to about 40 wt % of an unsaponifiable compound. In another example, the hydrophobizing agent can include a tall oil pitch and a fatty acid composition.

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrophilic polyurethane foam structure containing inert activated carbon particles, includes the steps of: (a) providing a water phase containing a surfactant and dispersed inert particles; (b) providing a isocyanate-terminated polyether having functionality of more than 2; (c) mixing the water phase and the isocyanate-terminated polyether, immediately transferring the resulting mixture to a mold or a continuous web, whereby a foam structure is obtained; and (d) drying the foam structure until it has a moisture content of at most 10% (wt). A foam structure produced by the method and a wound dressing containing the foam structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method may include preparing building forms including at least some cementitious materials. The method for preparing forms may include mixing substantially dry cementitious material particles with closed cell foam particles to form a substantially dry composition. In some embodiment, at least some of the cementitious material particles may adhere to at least some surface deformations on the surface of the closed cell foam particles. In some embodiments, the method may include mixing a second portion of water with the substantially dry composition for a second period of time to form a partially wet composition. In some embodiments, a method may include forming a building form including at least some cementitious materials from the partially wet composition. In some embodiments, the closed cell foam particles may include expanded polystyrene. In some embodiments, a ratio of the water to cementitious material particles may range from 0.20 to 0.40.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method may include preparing building forms including at least some cementitious materials. The method for preparing forms may include mixing substantially dry cementitious material particles with closed cell foam particles to form a substantially dry composition. In some embodiment, at least some of the cementitious material particles may adhere to at least some surface deformations on the surface of the closed cell foam particles. In some embodiments, the method may include mixing a second portion of water with the substantially dry composition for a second period of time to form a partially wet composition. In some embodiments, a method may include forming a building form including at least some cementitious materials from the partially wet composition. In some embodiments, the closed cell foam particles may include expanded polystyrene. In some embodiments, a ratio of the water to cementitious material particles may range from 0.20 to 0.40.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method may include preparing building forms including at least some cementitious materials. The method for preparing forms may include mixing substantially dry cementitious material particles with closed cell foam particles to form a substantially dry composition. In some embodiment, at least some of the cementitious material particles may adhere to at least some surface deformations on the surface of the closed cell foam particles. In some embodiments, the method may include mixing a second portion of water with the substantially dry composition for a second period of time to form a partially wet composition. In some embodiments, a method may include forming a building form including at least some cementitious materials from the partially wet composition. In some embodiments, the closed cell foam particles may include expanded polystyrene. In some embodiments, a ratio of the water to cementitious material particles may range from 0.20 to 0.40.

Abstract: Provided are reactive compositions for making a polyurethane-based rain-erosion protective coating for rotor blades, the reactive composition comprising an isocyanate-reactive component and an isocyanate-functional component and wherein the isocyanate-reactive component comprises a first component i) being a short chain hydroxyl-functional compound having two terminal (?-?) hydroxyl groups, a molecular weight of less than 250 g/mole and containing at least 2 carbon atoms and a second component ii) comprising a high molecular weight hydroxyl-functional compound having two terminal (?-?) hydroxyl groups and a molecular weight of at least 250 g/mol and comprising one or more units selected from oxyalkylene units and polyoxyalkylene units and wherein the isocyanate-functional component is an isocyanate prepolymer of the general formula NCO—Z—NCO, wherein Z is a linking group comprising at least two urethane (—NH—CO—O—) units and additionally one or more units selected from alkylenes, oxyalkylenes, polyoxyalkylen

Abstract: Moisture-curable single-component (1K) coatings based on N-substituted urea polymers with extended chains and terminal alkoxysilane groups. The coatings are highly flexible, are gloss retentive, provide fast tack-free and dry-through times, provide high solvent resistance, and provide excellent exterior color stability to sunlight. The coatings can be formulated to produce high-gloss, semi-gloss and low-gloss finishes, and thus have application as both commercial and military coatings.

Abstract: A fire and water resistant expansion joint system has a cover plate; a spline attached to the cover plate along a first edge of the spline; and two portions of foam, each portion being located on an opposing face of the spline. The foam has a fire-retardant material infused therein. The spline depends from the cover plate and is positioned in a gap between substantially coplanar substrates such that the cover plate overlies the gap. Each portion of the foam is compressed between a respective face of the spline and a face of one of the coplanar substrates.

Abstract: A fire and water resistant expansion and seismic joint system has a cover plate; a spline attached to the cover plate along a first edge of the spline; and a core comprising a first core portion and a second core portion, each portion being located on an opposing face of the spline. The first core portion and the second core portion have a fire-retardant material infused therein. The spline depends from the cover plate in a one piece construction and extends into the core to a depth within the core, and is positioned in a gap between substantially coplanar substrates such that the cover plate overlies the gap. Each portion of the core is compressed between a respective face of the spline and a face of one of the coplanar substrates.

Abstract: A fire resistant and water resistant expansion joint system comprises a compressed lamination of fire retardant infused open celled foam, one coat of an elastomeric waterproofing or water resistant material on the lamination, and another coat of an intumescent material on an opposing surface of the lamination, thereby providing fire resistance in one direction and water resistance in the opposite direction. The intumescent material may be further coated with a similar elastomeric material, thereby providing fire resistance in one direction and water resistance in both directions. In the alternative, the compressed lamination may comprise first and second opposing layers of intumescent material thereon each having a respective layer of elastomeric material to provide both water resistance and fire resistance in both directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing xerogel composites, which comprises: (a) provision of a composition comprising an organic gel precursor (A) comprising a monomer component (A1) composed of at least one polyfunctional isocyanate and a monomer component (A2) composed of at least one compound selected from among polyfunctional amines and polyfunctional hydroxy compounds; (b) reaction of the gel precursor (A) in the presence of an open-celled macroporous foam (B) and a solvent (C) to form a xerogel composite; (c) drying of the xerogel composite by conversion of the solvent (C) into the gaseous state at a temperature and a pressure below the critical temperature and the critical pressure of the solvent (C). The invention further relates to the xerogel composites which can be obtained in this way and their use as insulating material, for thermal insulation, vacuum insulation panels, in refrigeration units or in buildings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel approach to producing an aircraft window seal. The aircraft seal is produced of a much lighter material than has been used before, produced by a process of mixing a compound containing uncured silicone and a volume of microspheres, and then dispensing this material into a mold. Such a mold will normally be a female mold having the negative three dimensional shape of the aircraft seal to be produced. The seal may then be pressurized and/or heated during the curing process either prior to removing the seal from the mold or after removing the seal from the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing polyamide 6 wherein the polymerization of ?-caprolactam is performed in the presence of an inorganic material having an open pore structure. The polyamide 6 thus obtained has extremely high impact toughness and is simultaneously elastic.

Abstract: Method for making multifunctional particles. The method includes flowing a first monomer stream loaded with a fluorescent entity along a microfluidic channel and flowing a second monomer stream loaded with a probe adjacent to the first monomer stream along the microfluidic channel. The monomer streams are polymerized to synthesize particles having a fluorescent, graphically encoded region and a probe-loaded region.

Abstract: A filler composition for use in a casting formulation, where the filler composition includes a mineral filler, hollow plastic microspheres, and a food grade and non-flammable liquid, and where when the filler composition is mixed with a casting resin an OSHA 8-hour Permissible Exposure Limit set for Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated is not exceeded.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that contains a rigid renewable polyester and has a voided structure and low density is provided. To achieve such a structure, the renewable polyester is blended with a polymeric toughening additive to form a precursor material in which the toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. The precursor material is thereafter stretched or drawn at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polyester (i.e., “cold drawn”). This creates a network of voids located adjacent to the discrete domains, which as a result of their proximal location, can form a bridge between the boundaries of the voids and act as internal structural “hinges” that help stabilize the network and increase its ability to dissipate energy. The present inventors have also discovered that the voids can be distributed in a substantially homogeneous fashion throughout the composition.

Abstract: A composite material with an elastic modulus of less than 0.1 MPa at 100% elongation including a polymer matrix and a non-Newtonian fluid is provided. The composite material may be employed in shock and impact absorption applications to reduce initial and shockwave acceleration forces. Methods of forming the composite material and reducing acceleration forces in an impact utilizing the composite material are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel heat moldable gel and foam composition and the process for making the gel and foam composition. The gel and foam composition comprises gel infused into cells of a foam. The gel is a blend of gelling agents, such as thermoplastic polymers, resiliency components, such as styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprene copolymer and softening agents, such as oils. The foam preferably has a hardness less than or equal to a hardness of the gel.

Abstract: Disclosed are hollow silica particles having oil absorption ratio of at most 0.1 ml/g, porosity of hollow particles when mixed with a resin of at least 90%, and melting temperature of 130-200° C., and including a silicon compound having an organic group as a main component, and a composition including the hollow silica particles. A sheet including a base and a coating layer formed on the base and including a resin, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The coating layer includes a plurality of inner cavities, and components of the hollow particles are attached to the inner circumference of the inner cavities. The sheet has good transparency and insulation performance, and the inner cavities may be formed by simply melting hollow particles.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention are directed to a composite material comprising a fiber reinforcing material, a binder resin and polyurethane foam particles. Other embodiments are related to a process for manufacturing a composite material comprising a fiber reinforcing material, a binder resin and polyurethane foam particles, the method comprising depositing the binder resin and polyurethane foam particles the fiber reinforcing material to form a composite precursor and treating the composite precursor to form the composite material.

Abstract: A process for producing a composite material comprising the steps of: providing mm-sized particles comprising at least particles of a porous optionally at least partially compressed open-cell melamine formaldehyde resin and mm-sized particles of at least one non-rigid foamed resin; mixing said particles with at least one reactive adhesive in a concentration of 6 to 18 g of reactive adhesive per 100 g of mm-sized particles; reacting said reactive adhesive with said particles in the presence of aerial moisture thereby bonding said particles together during said mixing process; transporting said mixture into a mould; and irreversibly compressing said mixture to a block in a mould without additional heat to a density greater than 50 kg/m3 to form a block of said composite material; a composite material obtainable by this process; and the use of this composite material for polishing and/or cleaning applications with a liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for functionalizing a thermoset, crosslinked isocyanate-based polymeric solid material which is made of isocyanate and isocyanate reactive components, at least one of which comprises an anchor component which has at least one anchor group. The anchor groups on the solid material are formed by terminal alkene and/or alkyne groups. To functionalize this polymeric solid material it is brought in contact with a solution which contains at least one functional component. This functional component comprises at least one thiol group and is allowed to bind covalently to the polymeric solid material by a free-radical addition reaction between the thiol groups on the functional component and the terminal alkene and/or alkyne anchor groups on the undissolved solid material. An effective functionalization of the polymeric material can thus be achieved notwithstanding the heterogeneous reaction conditions.

Abstract: A first polymer (preferably in granular form) is exposed to a gas at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure to introduce the gas into the polymer. This occurs at a temperature from the glass transition temperature to the melting temperature when the first polymer is crystalline or semi-crystalline in nature, or at a temperature below the glass transition temperature when the first polymer is amorphous in nature. Optionally, the gas-laden polymer may then be mixed with a second polymer. The polymer is then melted to produce a foamed article.

Abstract: A paint composition for forming a three-dimensional film including 1 to 10 wt % of a polymer hollow microsphere and 5 to 40 wt % of a polymer resin based on a total weight of the composition, wherein the polymer hollow microsphere has a density of 10 to 100 kg/m3 and a particle size of 10 to 200 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous copolymer dispersion comprising an emulsion copolymer and two hydrophobic aromatic ketones, wherein the aromatic ketones are, based on the dry weight of the copolymer, from 0.1 to 3 wt % benzophenone and from 0.1 to 4 wt % a benzophenone derivative; wherein the dispersion comprises 0 or less than 0.1 wt % hydrophilic aromatic ketone. The copolymer dispersion is suitable for preparation of aqueous coating compositions which yields a relatively hard surface to provide not only short term but also long term dirt pick up resistance effects, after exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A prepreg composite that contains a porous substrate impregnated with an aromatic polyester is provided. In addition to possessing a high degree of heat and moisture resistance, the present inventors have also discovered that the nature of the aromatic polyester can be selectively controlled so that it is soluble in a solvent. This allows for the formation of polymer solutions that can be readily employed to impregnate the porous substrate. The nature of the polyester and its relative concentration in the solution can also be tailored to achieve polymers that not only adhere well to the substrate, but also possess good thermal and mechanical properties for use in a wide variety of potential applications.

Abstract: A hydrophilizing agent composition comprising a copolymer having an alternating copolymerization ratio of repeating units represented by the following formula (1) and repeating units represented by the following formula (2) of at least 95%, and a solvent: in the formula (1), each of X and Y which are independent of each other, is H, F, CF3 or Cl; in the formula (2), Z is OR1, NHR2, COOR3 or SO3R4, R is a single bond, a bivalent linking group which may contain an ethereal oxygen atom, or a bivalent linking group which may contain a cyclic structure, and each of R1 to R4 which are independent of one another, is H or a monovalent organic group; provided that in the repeating units represented by the formula (2) contained in the copolymer, the proportion of the repeating units wherein each of R1 to R4 is H is at least 50 mol %.

Abstract: This invention provides an organic-inorganic hybrid material, which can exhibit high proton conductivity in a wide temperature range of a low temperature to a high temperature, a proton conductive material, which has a small particle diameter, that is, has a particle diameter capable of reaching pores of primary particles of carbon powder or the like, and has controlled particle diameters, a catalyst layer containing these materials for a fuel cell and an electrolyte film containing these materials for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell. The proton conductive hybrid material comprises proton conductive inorganic nanoparticles and a proton conductive polymer, wherein the Stokes particle diameter of the proton conductive hybrid material by dynamic light scattering is not more than 20 nm.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a method for forming a nanofiltration hollow fiber membrane comprising a poly(amide-imide) (PAI) hollow fiber substrate having a polyethyleneimine (PEI)-cross-linked PAI surface layer. This membrane is suitable for forward osmosis applications. The method comprises contacting the PAI hollow fiber substrate with an aqueous solution of polyethyleneimine (PEI) under conditions suitable for cross-linking PAI in the surface layer of the PAI hollow fiber substrate by PEI.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of preparing a fused aerogel-polymer composite in which aerogel and an organic polymer is mixed in a dry state to adsorb polymer particles on the surface of the aerogel and are then subjected to thermal treatment, thus forming a polymer coating on the aerogel. The fused aerogel-polymer composite can be used for thermal insulation in a variety of applications. The fused aerogel-polymer composite exhibits high thermal insulation properties and superior physical strength and processability while still maintaining the properties of an aerogel that does not have a polymer coated on its surface.

Abstract: Synthesis of polystyrene and/or other thermoplastic polymers or polymer blends which, for example, contain activated carbon and/or bamboo carbon carrying a co-blowing agent such as water and/or at least one of 1-dimensional, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensional nano/micro-materials in suspension polymerization without using the inverse emulsion process. CO2 or other blowing agent based foaming processes such as extrusion, batch foaming, and injection molding may then be carried out to produce polymer foams that have low density, high-R value, bimodal structures, good mechanical properties, and high fire retardance.