Abstract: This invention relates to polyurethane(urea) compositions which contain foam and which are preferably cationically modified, contain non-abrasively bonded fillers and have a very high water absorbability (WAF).Production is effected by reacting isocyanate-terminated prepolymers with a quantity of water far exceeding the stoichiometric quantity in the presence of foams in particle or film form. The reaction mixture may also contain lignite powder and/or peat, other inorganic and organic fillers and/or biomasses (living cells, living bacteria, enzymes).The polyurethane(urea) compositions contain up to 95% by weight of foam particles and may contain further fillers (preferably lignite and/or peat). The compositions are swollen and have a high water content during production. Their water absorbability (WAF) when suspended in water is 33 to 97% by weight of water.

Abstract: A method of adsorbing a substance such as an optically active substance, comprising contacting a solution of the substance in a solvent with an adsorbent consisting of a cross-linked polymer comprisingan optically active, synthetic poly(amino acid) represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R stands for an organic group, R' stands for hydrogen or an alkyl group and n is an integer of at least 5, which may be protected at a terminal amino group anda carrier polymer supporting said synthetic poly(amino acid) thereon, said carrier polymer having affinity for said solvent. A method for producing the cross-linked polymer is also described.The adsorbent is especially useful for optical resolution of racemic mixtures.

Abstract: Wheel chock blocks may be comprised of bodies of various ultra-lightweight foam materials, such as expanded polystyrene. A coating may be provided which integrally covers such bodies to form a skin effect for dispersing pressures applied thereto over such body. Thus, effective use is made of the entire compressive strength of the block, which further permits practical use of even such ultra-lightweight materials. Such coating may be formed with hardened latex paint, which paint also slightly penetrates the foam body so as to further enhance the skin effect thereof.

Abstract: A trowelable ablative coating composition is disclosed. The composition comprises an epoxy resin, an amide curing agent, glass microspheres and ground cork. A method for protecting a substrate is also disclosed. The method comprises applying the trowelable ablative coating discussed above to a substrate and curing the coating composition.

Abstract: Syntactic foam graphic arts print media are provided which are particularly suitable for application to a substrate using high speed mechanical printing processes. The invention involves adding to a basic print medium a minor amount of pre-expanded, nonfriable, thermoplastic polyvinylidene chloride based microspheres substantially heat stable between about -20.degree. C. and 175.degree. C., having a particle size of about 10 to 100 microns in diameter, to produce syntactic foams having unlimited shelflife stability. The print media thereby produced may be applied to any known substrate in any desired graphic pattern.

Abstract: A laminated printing blanket having compressible and resilient properties and a method for its production are provided. The compressible characteristics are provided by disposing an intermediate layer having substantially uniformly distributed voids of substantially uniform size between the base layer and the surface layer of the printing blanket. The voids of the compressible intermediate layer are formed by introducing microcapsules into an elastomeric compound formulated for production of the intermediate layer, and by vulcanizing the intermediate layer at a temperature below the melting point of the microcapsules to a degree sufficient to fix the microcapsules in place within the structure of the intermediate layer. A final vulcanizing step completes the curing of all layers to produce a laminated unitary blanket.

Abstract: A precast composite plastic reinforcement insert, method of making the reinforcement insert and method of reinforcing a structural member. The insert includes pellets which are formed of a mixture of a thermoplastic polymeric resin and a blowing agent. Polymeric resins disclosed include a one-part epoxy with a thermal curing system or a thermoplastic polyester resin. The pellets in one embodiment are retained within a matrix of expanded polystyrene and in combination form the insert. The insert is formed in a mold cavity which receives the pellets and unexpanded polystyrene which is expanded during the process by heating the same within the mold cavity. The insert is used to reinforce a structural member by placing it in the structural member prior to a thermal paint curing operation.

Abstract: A foam-fiber composite, useful as an absorbent for sanitary napkins is disclosed. It is a resilient, absorbent structure made from large particles of an amino-ether hydrophilic foam (and optionally a superabsorbent and wood pulp), which by use of a carding machine is uniformly distributed in, and heat bonded to a fibrous matrix, which matrix is preferably made from two different kinds of fibers, one of which is low melting at the bonding temperatures used in the oven, e.g., polyethylene and the other high melting, e.g., polyester.

Abstract: A precast composite plastic reinforcement insert, method of making the reinforcement insert and method of reinforcing a structural member. The insert includes pellets which are formed of a mixture of a thermosetting polymeric resin and a blowing agent. Polymeric resins disclosed include a one-part epoxy with a thermal curing system or a thermoplastic polyester resin. The pellets in one embodiment are retained within a matrix of expanded polystyrene and in combination form the insert. The insert is formed in a mold cavity which receives the pellets and unexpanded polystyrene which is expanded during the process by heating the same within the mold cavity. The insert is used to reinforce a structural member by placing it in the structural member prior to a thermal paint curing operation.

Abstract: Polydiorganosiloxane compositions useful for producing flame resistant foam of the type containing finely divided nonmetallic fibrous heat resistant material and finely divided nonmetallic cellular heat resistant material tend to separate upon long time storage. The compositions remain homogeneous upon storage when at least 0.1 weight percent of fume silica is included in the composition during the mixing of the ingredients before storage.

Abstract: The method of the present invention includes mixing a low viscosity thermoset resin and microspheres together without melting the thermoset resin and extruding the mixture to form a continuous strand of paste-like uncured material. The continuous strand is gelled on a conveyor which preferably includes a radiant heater or other means for accelerating the gelling of the continuous strands into solid form. The strands are then cut or chopped into pellet form and may be coated with an adhesive or B-staged material in preparation for forming into structural reinforcements. The pellets are filled with microspheres in the amount of 20 to 35% of resin weight. The pellets may include unexpanded thermally expandable microspheres which permit expansion of the pellets when exposed to heat to provide a pellet having a bulk density as low as 9 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyurethane(urea) compositions which contain foam and which are preferably cationically modified, contain non-abrasively bonded fillers and have a very high water absorbability (WAF).Production is effected by reacting isocyanate-terminated prepolymers with a quantity of water far exceeding the stoichiometric quantity in the presence of foams in particle or film form. The reaction mixture may also contain lignite powder and/or peat, other inorganic and organic fillers and/or biomasses (living cells, living bacteria, enzymes).The polyurethane(urea) compositions contain up to 95% by weight of foam particles and may contain further fillers (preferably lignite and/or peat). The compositions are swollen and have a high water content during production. Their water absorbability (WAF) when suspended in water is 33 to 97% by weight of water.

Abstract: Microsphere wet cake is mixed with a processing aid effective to prevent agglomeration and surface bonding of the microspheres, and thereafter removing water by drying with continuous mixing, optionally also under reduced pressure, i.e. vacuum drying. By the control of the application of heat and balancing temperature and the mixing, and optionally also the reduced pressure, it is possible to also control expansion of the microspheres from substantially none to substantially theoretical limits of expansion.The processing aid in the present invention is any one of a wide diversity of materials which meet the requirements of the intended function, i.e., to prevent the agglomeration of the microspheres during the process. Suitable materials include, by way of example, dry inorganic pigments or filler materials, and the like, and related organic materials.

Abstract: A flame-retardant latex foam contains at least 35 (and preferably 40 to 55) parts by weight of an expandable graphite per hundred parts by weight of latex. Additional flame-retardant materials (e.g. hydrated aluminas, magnesium hydroxide, compounds of halogen and/or phosphorus, boron compounds, antimony oxides or melamine) can be included in the foam formulation, as can fillers or intumescent agents. The expandable graphite contains one or more exfoliating agents such that considerable expansion will occur at high temperatures. Foams according to the present invention satisfy the conditions of British Standard Specification Nos. 5852; Part 2; 1982 and 4735; 1974.

Abstract: The intumescent material of this invention comprises a filled polyorganosiloxane composition that is elastomeric in the cured form and up to 70 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said composition of hollow, thermoplastic microspheres filled with a volatile liquid. The materials are particularly useful as flame and smoke barriers in passages of partitions that are traversed by thermoplastic articles such as pipes and conduits, and can optionally contain chemical blowing agents.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the dehydration of aqueous dispersions and bonding the solids contained therein characterized by the addition of fly ash to the aqueous polymeric composition. The fly ash is added in an amount sufficient to significantly reduce the dehydration time of the composition and generally comprises at least a partial substitution of the mineral filler content of the aqueous polymeric dispersion.

Abstract: Fire retardant polystyrene insulating material is manufactured from expandable polystyrene scrap in admixture with a phenol-formaldehyde or melamine-formaldehyde resin in resole form, the resin containing a blowing agent and a surfactant. The insulating material is formed from the scrap-resin mix by applying dielectric heating to foam the resin, and cure the foamed resin to a closed cell structure.

Abstract: A high temperature filter material, comprising a non-woven glass fiber matrix including mica particles, polymer micro-bits and a uniformly distributed binder system, is made by a wet laid procedure, as used in paper-making. A composition comprising the mica particles and polymer micro-bits, used in making the filter material, and a method of preparing the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high temperature filter material, comprising a non-woven glass fiber matrix including mica particles, polymer micro-bits and a uniformly distributed binder system, is made by a wet laid procedure, as used in paper-making. A composition comprising the mica particles and polymer micro-bits, used in making the filter material, and a method of preparing the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A storage-stable container sealing composition which is fluid and comprises an aqueous dispersion of a visco elastic, generally elastomeric, polymer and hollow microspheres of a thermoplastic polymeric material containing a liquid blowing agent. The compositions are applied as gaskets to container closures and are heated to volatilize the blowing agent and expand the microspheres.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of insulating, porous, shaped articles, such as insulating plates, blocks and similar construction elements, wherein expanded plastic spheres are mixed with a binder, comprising a bituminous product, wherein at the end of that treatment an amount of granular or powdery material is added to the mixture until the mixture consist mainly of loose spheres again, subsequently cement is added and the mass thus obtained is subjected a to second compounding treatment with water being added, whereafter the mixture thus obtained is compress to the desired articles with between the first and second compounding action a proteinaceous foaming agent being. Added. The foaming agent is preferably added simultaneously with the water and in an amount of 0.4 to 5% by weight of the solid components of the final mixture.

Abstract: A phenolic resin composite foam is disclosed which is prepared by heating and foaming a novolak phenolic resin having a number average molecular weight of 250 to 600 and a bulk density of 0.15 to 0.5, a blowing agent, a blowing auxiliary compound and inorganic foamed particles. Additional materials for flame retardancy can be added. The foam produced has a high compressive strength, a high foaming and rapid curing rates, a low water absorption and a minimum of friability.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating electronic components in high acceleration and high thermal cycling environments. A liquid uncured thermal setting polyurethane formulation is mixed with a finely ground particulate foam which serves as a nucleating agent. The mixture is in accordance with the polyurethane formulation. The resultant foam contains open air pockets which allow it to be compressed and then re-expand.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydrophilized porous membrane with a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer, which is composed principally of diacetone acrylamide, held physically on at least a part of the pore walls of a starting porous polyolefin membrane, as well as its production process. This hydrophilized porous polyolefin membrane has long-lasting hydrophilicity and good mechanical strength. Its components are dissolved out only minimally in application.

Abstract: In order to overcome the problems encountered in attempting to mix finely divided organic polymer materials into viscous polyol because of accompanying air entrainment, the polymer material is pretreated with a volatile liquid halocarbon or liquid hydrocarbon in an amount at least sufficient to wet the surfaces of the polymer particles. The halocarbon or hydrocarbon is one preferably otherwise employed as a blowing agent for the preparation of foamed resin polymers such as a polyurethane; particularly methylene chloride or a fluorocarbon (e.g. monofluorotrichloromethane). In accordance with an alternative embodiment the volatile treating liquid may be first mixed with the viscous polyol before addition of the ground material therein.

Abstract: The intumescent material of this invention comprises a filled polyorganosiloxane composition that is elastomeric in the cured form and up to 70 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said composition of hollow, thermoplastic microspheres filled with a volatile liquid. The materials are particularly useful as flame and smoke barriers in passages of partitions that are traversed by thermoplastic articles such as pipes and conduits, and can optionally contain chemical blowing agents.

Abstract: Polyurethane foam-fiber composite structures comprising a flexible polyurethane foam uniformly mixed with a fibrous material and bonded with a liquid flexible resinous binding agent to provide a cured foam structure; the relative amounts of materials in the foam structure being such that for each 100 parts by weight of polyurethane foam particles about 10 to 500 parts of fibrous material and about 10 to 250 parts of binding agent is employed, the fibrous material having a fiber length of from 1/8" to 4" and preferably 1/4" to 3/4", a density of at least 0.75, and a diameter of less than 500 microns. The foam structures have an excellent sag factor with good resiliency for a select density.

Abstract: The invention claimed here comprises a process for producing neoprene foam structures which are greater than four inches in diameter. The claimed invention also comprises a structure of neoprene with a thickness greater than about four inches composed of one continuous mass of adhesively bound neoprene particles.

Abstract: A hydrophilized membrane of a porous hydrophobic material having micropores each defined by a surface at least part of which is coated with a hydrophilizing agent which is solid at about 20.degree. C. and substantially insoluble in water. The hydrophilizing agent is preferably selected from monofatty acid esters of propylene glycol. Also disclosed are processes for hydrophilizing such porous hydrophobic membranes.

Abstract: The invention provides an insulation material in the form of a cured composition comprising as components:(a) 10 to 30% w magnesium chloride,(b) 0 to 15% w of an organic resin,(c) 0 to 0.5% w of a mould-release agent,(d) 0.1 to 1% w of a surfactant,(e) 6 to 8% w of a sodium polyphosphate glass,(f) 6 to 20% w magnesium oxide,(g) 4 to 20% w inorganic filler,(h) 15 to 30% w cenospheres,(i) 1 to 3 % w orthophosphoric acid,(j) 0 to 12 % w inorganic fibres,in overall proportions to total 100%, having a density in the range 200 to 500 kg/m.sup.3 ; and its preparation.

Abstract: A self-supporting structure comprising an inorganic sorbent and method for preparing is described in which the self-supporting structure is substantially free of sorbent fines and the sorption characteristics of the sorbent particles is retained. The process for immobilizing the sorbent particles in the self-supporting structure comprises the steps of:(a) preheating inorganic sorbent particles to an elevated temperature;(b) mixing the sorbent particles with particles of a polymeric binding material to form a mixture comprising the particles of polymeric binding material adhered to the sorbent particles; and(c) heating the mixture to about the solid-liquid transition temperature of the polymeric binding material with or without pressure to form a structure which upon cooling is self supporting.

Abstract: A hydrophilized membrane of a porous hydrophobic material having micropores each defined by a surface at least part of which is coated with a hydrophilizing agent which is solid at about 20.degree. C. and substantially insoluble in water. The hydrophilizing agent is preferably selected from monofatty acid esters of propylene glycol. Also disclosed are processes for hydrophilizing such porous hydrophobic membranes.

Abstract: An insulating foam and a process for producing insulating foam, wherein a foamable first component may be made of alkyl sulfate, half ester of maleic anhydride and acrylic resin in an aqueous solution is mechanically foamed with air, and to that foam is added an aqueous solution of magnesium oxide, dispersant, acrylic resin, perlite and/or precipitated calcium carbonate. To those components is added an aqueous solution of at least one of aluminum chloride, magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, zinc chloride, sulfamic acid, sodium silicate, zinc oxide, barium metaborate, vinyl alcohol, magnesium carbonate, calcium chloride and vinyl acetate. In another embodiment a polyvinyl alcohol and dispersant first portion is foamed with air and mixed with a second cementitious portion comprising magnesium oxide and barium metaborate.

Abstract: A resin combination comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix having dispersed therein as distinct phases, a multiplicity of small spherical solid particles of polybutylene terephthalate, the resin combination in opaque biaxially oriented polymeric film form and the same oriented film structure having on at least one surface thereof a void-free thermoplastic skin layer. The process for preparing a biaxially oriented opaque film comprising providing said resin combination, forming an unoriented film of said resin combination and biaxially orienting said film to an extent sufficient to opacify the same. The process also provides for the opaque film having a void-free thermoplastic skin layer on at least one surface thereof.

Abstract: Gel-resistant composition especially suited for filling, patching or repairing plaster, gypsum board panels and the like comprising a blend of glass microbubbles containing borate, high molecular weight polyhydroxy compound such as polyvinyl alcohol functioning as a binder, water, and low molecular weight polyhydroxy compound in which at least two of the hydroxyl groups are attached to carbon atoms that are separated by one or more intervening carbon atoms.

Abstract: Expandable phenolic resin-coated composite beads comprise an aggregate having coated thereon a solid, expandable resin composition comprising a solid, phenolic resin initial condensation product, a foaming agent and, if necessary, a hardening agent. The expandable phenolic resin-coated composite beads provide composite cellular moldings in which the aggregates are uniformly dispersed in a phenolic resin-expanded layer and are firmly adhered to the expanded layer. The composite cellular moldings can be adhered to a face plate to form integral laminates.

Abstract: The invention concerns glass microbubbles having an inorganic thin-film coating not exceeding about 10 nm in thickness, especially a coating of a metal, a metalloid, or an alloy thereof. When dispersed throughout a matrix such as a polymer, the coated glass microbubbles can afford surprisingly good hiding power while also imparting esthetically pleasing colors to otherwise transparent articles.

Abstract: Open-cell foamed particles and molded shapes having up to 99% porosity are formed from fumed oxides, for example SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, TiO.sub.2, with or without functional groups, in 30-99%, by weight, and polymers, for example polyvinyl chloride and copolymers thereof, and styrene. The resulting structures are thermally insulating. The structures can be formed by beating small amounts of a liquid polymerizable monomer into the fumed oxide or by immersing a formed shape of the oxide in a liquid monomer and thereafter polymerizing the monomer to a solid polymer. The oxide is believed to have a microfibrous nature and the polymer is believed to coat the oxide, without destroying the open-nature configuration of the oxide, and cements the oxide particles together in the microfibrous condition.

Abstract: Syntactic foam with improved processing characteristics is disclosed wherein a blend of coupling agents and alkylphenol alkoxylates are used to improve processibility and reduce cure time of the syntactic foam system.

Abstract: Syntactic foam with improved processing characteristics is disclosed wherein a blend of aminosilane and aminated alkylphenol alkoxylates are used to improve processibility and reduce cure time of the syntactic foam system.

Abstract: A pressure-resistant buoyancy material, comprising pressure-resistant hollow elements, a syntactic foam, and an empty space intervening between the pressure-resistant hollow elements and the syntactic foam, communicating with the outside of the buoyancy material. The pressure-resistant hollow elements are retained in a freely movable state in the empty space.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced syntactic foam composites having a low specific gravity and a low coefficient of thermal expansion suitable for forming lightweight structures for spacecraft applications are prepared from a mixture of a heat curable thermosetting resin, hollow microspheres having a diameter of about 5 to 200 micrometers and fibers having a length less than or equal to 250 micrometers.

Abstract: Intumescent coatings which form a thick, uniform, fine celled, low density foam upon exposure to a high intensity heat flux or flame are disclosed, the invention coatings comprise phenolic resin prepolymer containing a blowing agent and a nucleating agent; in the preferred embodiments the coatings also contains a silicone surfactant, the coatings are useful in thermal and fire protection systems.

Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of crosslinked copolymer particles from seed particles by imbibing a monomer therein and polymerizing the same under controlled suspension conditions wherein said improvement comprises expanding the seed in staged or sequential steps of feeding lower levels of crosslinking monomers in the early stages and preferably higher levels of crosslinking monomers at later stages of polymerization.

Abstract: Polyurethane foam is modified by a post-treatment process comprising the steps of contacting the polyurethane foam with a swelling agent for the polyurethane foam and interpenetrating the swollen foam with a chemical additive, then shrinking the interpenetrated foam by removing the swelling agent under conditions where the chemical additive remains trapped in the polymeric structure of the foam.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced syntactic foam composites having a low specific gravity and a coefficient of thermal expansion of about 9.0.times.10.sup.-6 in/in/.degree.F. (16.2.times.10.sup.-6 cm/cm/.degree.C.) or less are prepared from a mixture of: a heat curable thermosetting resin comprising an uncured polyglycidyl aromatic amine, a polycarboxylic acid anhydride curing agent, and a chosen curing accelerator; hollow microspheres having a diameter of about 5 to 200 micrometers; and fibers having a length less than or equal to 250 micrometers. These composites are useful for forming lightweight structures for space applications.

Abstract: A composite, rigid, structural, foam panel (11) comprising: (i) a flexible, non-structural, open cell reticulated or semi-reticulated, foam sheet (10); and (ii), an essentially closed cell resinous foam formed from a flowable, foamable material (12); and, wherein the open cell non-structural foam sheet (10) and the essentially closed cell foam are each coextensive with the volume of spaced defined by the panel (11). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible, non-structural, open cell reticulated or semi-reticulated foam sheet (10) comprises an electromagnetic wave absorber and, consequently, the essentially closed cell rigid structural panel (11) produced comprises a rigid, structural electromagnetic wave absorber.

Abstract: In order to improve the flame-protection effect without substantially impairing the mechanical properties of the articles covered with the flame protection agent, the flame protection agent is provided with a compound in a proportion by weight of 7.5 to 30% which contains at least one sulfo group or sulfonium ion. This compound is preferably a water-soluble ammonium salt. As binder there is used an aqueous solution or aqueous dispersion of an organic material, particularly of an acrylate or of a polymer or copolymer having a base of acrylic acid ester. It is particularly advantageous if substantially open-cell polyurethane foam having a base of polyether is impregnated with such a flame-protection agent which contains an ammonium salt of an aminosulfonic acid in a proportion of about 12%. Polyurethane foams impregnated in this manner are particularly well suited for use in cushionings of articles or in premises for which class B1 fire protection is required.

Abstract: One-part moisture-curable polyurethane adhesive, coating, sealant, or casting compositions containing a blend of isocyanate-functional prepolymer, terpene-phenolic resin, and silane compound. The compositions adhere to a variety of unprimed substrates, and resist moisture and UV exposure.

Abstract: Cured epoxy resin compositions, having a glass transition temperature (Tg) over 300.degree. F. (149.degree. C.) coupled with coefficients of linear thermal expansion (CTE) closely approaching those of aluminum, find practical utility in tooling applications as a modeling stock. The epoxy resin composition comprises one or more epoxy resins, one or more aromatic amine hardeners or a blend of aromatic and aliphatic amine hardeners, and a combination of at least three fillers selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, glass microspheres, graphite fibers and mica.