Abstract: This invention relates to composition containing expandable microspheres and at least one ionic compound and having a zeta potential that is greater than or equal to zero mV at a pH of about 9.0 or less at an ionic strength of from 10?6 M to 0.1M., as well as methods of making and using the composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to composition containing expandable microspheres and at least one ionic compound and having a zeta potential that is greater than or equal to zero mV at a pH of about 9.0 or less at an ionic strength of from 10?6 M to 0.1M., as well as methods of making and using the composition.

Abstract: Expanded and extruded polyolefin foams are obtained using environmentally benign non-VOC methyl formate as a blowing agent. The blowing agent can be a blend further including at least one co-blowing agent, preferably an environmentally friendly species (e.g., non-VOC), which is either a physical co-blowing agent (e.g. an inorganic agent, a hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon with polar, functional group(s) or any combination thereof), or a chemical co-blowing agent, or combinations thereof. The blowing agent blend can include any combination of methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The polymer foam can include polyethylene, polypropylene or a combination thereof. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce stable foams for various applications, including containers, packaging systems, as well as for insulation and protective cushioning. Processes for the preparation of such foams are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing expandable styrene polymers which comprises the steps of: (a) adding an aqueous phase comprising a suspension stabilizer and an organic phase comprising styrene and an initiator to a reactor, (b) commencing the addition of a blowing agent at a styrene conversion in the range from 40 to 70% and adding the blowing agent over a period ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, (c) adding a stabilizer to stabilize the bead size distribution of the expandable styrene polymer at a styrene conversion in the range from 65 to 99%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing single-hole hollow polymer particles having extremely uniform outer diameters and inner diameters with no need for classification operation. Further, the present invention provides single-hole hollow polymer particles produced by the method for producing single-hole hollow polymer particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate, expandable polymer, for example polystyrene (EPS) or polylactic acid (PLA) or a combination thereof, which can be processed to form a foam having a fine cell structure and a low density, and which contains a thermal insulation value-increasing material so as to increase the thermal insulation value thereof The present invention further relates to a method for producing such particulate, expandable polymer, as well as to a foam material based on such a polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermally expandable thermoplastic microspheres comprising a polymer shell made from ethylenically unsaturated monomers encapsulating a propellant, said ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising from 40 to 70 wt % of acrylonitrile, from 5 to 40 wt % of methacrylonitrile, from 10 to 50 wt % of monomers selected from the group consisting of esters of acrylic acid, esters of methacrylic acid and mixtures thereof, and said propellant comprising at least one of methane, ethane, propane, isobutane, n-butane and neo-pentane. The invention further relates to the production and use of the microspheres.

Abstract: Phosphine sulfide derivatives of the formula (I), S?PR1R2R3??(I) are suitable as flame retardants, in particular for polymers, where the definitions of the symbols in the formula (I) are as follows: R1 and R2 are identical or different, being C1-C12-alkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, which may have no substitution or may have one or more C1-C4-alkyl groups as substituents, C2-C12-alkenyl, C2-C12-alkynyl, C6-C10-aryl, or C8-C10-aryl-C1-C4-alkyl; R3 is H, SH, SR4, OH, OR5 or a —(Y1)n—[P(?X1)R6—(Y2)n]m—P(?X2)R7R8 group; or two groups R1, R2, R3 form, together with the phosphorus atom bonded thereto, a ring system; X1 and X2 are identical or different, being O or S; Y1 and Y2 are identical or different, being O or S; R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are identical or different, being independently from one another C1-C12-alkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, which may have no substitution or may have one or more C1-C4-alkyl groups as substituents, C2-C12-alkenyl, C2-C12-alkynyl, C6-C10-aryl, or C6-C10-aryl-C1-C4-alkyl; n is 1 if Y1 and, respec

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing thermo-expansive microspheres comprising a thermoplastic resinous shell and a blowing agent being encapsulated in the shell, the blowing agent which is a fluorine-containing C2-10 compound having ether linkage, being free of chlorine and bromine atoms and gasifying at a temperature not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin. The thermo-expansive microspheres have preferably an average particle size ranging from 1 to 100 ?m and a CV, or coefficient of variation, of particle size distribution being 30% or less, and a retaining ratio of blowing agent encapsulated being 90% or more.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polyurethane foam that contains particles of expandable graphite and a halogenated fire-retardant additive which surprisingly impart excellent fire-retardant properties to the foam and provide a stable isocyanate-reactive component having improved pot life for industrial scale production purposes. The polyurethane foam can be prepared by mixing a single isocyanate-reactive component containing the graphite and halogenated additives along with all of the polyols and other ingredients with an isocyanate component in a two-component mixing machine such as a high-pressure mixing device for applying the reaction mixture into a suitable container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for production of an expandable polyethylene resin particle having a foaming agent impregnated therein, which comprises polymerizing a styrene monomer or a monomer mixture containing a styrene monomer onto a nuclear particle comprising an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and a linear low-density polyethylene.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermally expandable thermoplastic microspheres comprising a polymer shell made from ethylenically unsaturated monomers encapsulating a propellant, said ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising from 40 to 70 wt % of acrylonitrile, from 5 to 40 wt % of methacrylonitrile, from 10 to 50 wt % of monomers selected from the group consisting of esters of acrylic acid, esters of methacrylic acid and mixtures thereof, and said propellant comprising at least one of methane, ethane, propane, isobutane, n-butane and neo-pentane. The invention further relates to the production and use of the microspheres.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing hollow particles comprising polymerizing a hydrophobic monomer to form a particulate resin exhibiting a number average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 500,000, dispersing the particulate resin in an aqueous medium to form a resin particle dispersion and adding thereto a hydrophobic cross-linkable monomer in an amount of from 0.1 to 50 parts by mass based on 1 part by mass of the particulate resin to polymerize the cross-linkable monomer to form hollow particles.

Abstract: Resin beads having an average particle size of from 0.001 mm to 10 mm and containing a continuous phase and a particulate dispersed phase are described. The continuous phase includes elastomeric polymers; the dispersed phase includes homopolymers and/or copolymers containing repeat units resulting from the polymerization of one or more aryl polymerizable monomers. The unexpanded polymer resin beads can be prepared by dispersing an organic phase containing elastomeric polymers and one or more monomers, into droplets and polymerizing the monomers in the organic droplets in a low shear flow pattern. The beads can be impregnated with blowing agents, expanded and can be used to make molded articles. Resin beads having a continuous phase comprising a nitrile rubber, and a dispersed phase comprising one or more homopolymers and/or copolymers containing repeat units resulting form the polymerization of one or more aryl polymerizable show prolonged retention of blowing agents in unexpanded form.

Abstract: A method of recycling waste plastic foam materials firstly is to smash a waste material including polyurethane foam into fine particles so as to obtain a first starting material. The first starting material is then crisped and followingly milled into powder so as to obtain a second starting material. The second starting material is then placed into a mixer to mix with a first foaming reaction solution including polyol, catalyst and additives injected into the mixer so as to form a semi-treated foaming material. And then, the semi-treated foaming material is mixed with a second foaming reaction solution including diisocyanate injected into the mixer so as to obtain a completed-treated foaming material. Lastly, the completed-treated foaming material is poured into a mold and then water vapor is uniformly introduced into the mold so as to induce the completed-treated foaming material to proceed foaming reaction.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a tire containing (i) 100 parts by weight of a diene-based rubber and (ii) 0.5 to 25 parts by weight of a heat-expandable microcapsule including a shell, and a substance capable of vaporizing or expanding under heating to thereby generate a gas and a nonpolar oil, both encapsulated in the shell, wherein the shell is made of a thermoplastic resin obtained by polymerization of a nitrile-based monomer (I), a monomer (II) having an unsaturated double bond and a carboxyl group in the molecule thereof, an optional monomer (III) having two or more polymerizable double bonds, and an optional copolymerizable monomer (IV) for adjusting the expansion properties.

Abstract: Expandable vinyl aromatic polymers which comprise: a matrix obtained by polymerizing 50-100% by weight of one or more vinyl aromatic monomers and 0-50% by weight of at least one copolymer izable monomer; 1-10% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an expanding agent englobed in the polymeric matrix; 0.05-25% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of a filler comprising coke with a surface area, measured according to ASTM D-3037/89, ranging from 5 to 50 m2/g.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: A lightweight ready-mix concrete composition that contains 8-20 volume percent cement, 11-50 volume percent sand, 10-31 volume percent prepuff particles, 9-40 volume percent coarse aggregate, and 10-22 volume percent water, where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent;. The prepuff particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.02 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3. The slump value of the composition measured according to ASTM C 143 is from 2 to 8 inches. After the lightweight ready-mix concrete composition is set for 28 days, it has a compressive strength of at least 1400 psi as tested according to ASTM C39.

Abstract: A method for forming a fire resistant material is disclosed. The method comprises providing a plurality of expandable beads of a polymeric material. The beads are coated with an exfoliable graphite. The exfoliable graphite is adhered to the beads with a resin having a solubility parameter of the polymeric material. The beads are thereafter caused or allowed expand and fuse.

Abstract: The method for the manufacture of foamed or foamable polymer particles employs a mixture of a polymer melt and a recycled polymer melt produced from recycled, propellant-containing polymer particles. The associated plant for the manufacture of the foamed or foamable polymer particles is provided with an apparatus for the processing of recycled, propellant-containing polymer particles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to long lasting crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having cationic sites as well as labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a target zones in the reservoirs and when the heat and/or a suitable pH in the reservoir cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the cationic sites in the polymer adsorb to negative sites of the rock in the formation, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery. However, many other uses are possible.

Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers and methods for making same. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having anionic sites and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid and a cationic crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the particle on degradation of the labile crosslinker and exposure of the anionic sites so as to form a gel. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into target zone and when the heat and/or suitable pH of the target zone cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and the particle expands, the cationic crosslinker crosslinks the polymer to form a gel, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.

Abstract: Expanded and extruded biodegradable polymer foams are obtained using biodegradable polymers and environmentally benign non-VOC methyl formate as a blowing agent. The blowing agent can be a blend further including at least one co-blowing agent, preferably an environmentally friendly species (e.g., non-VOC), which is either a physical co-blowing agent (e.g. an inorganic agent, a hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon with polar, functional group(s), water or any combination thereof), or a chemical co-blowing agent, or combinations thereof. The blowing agent blend can include any combination of methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The polymer foam can include a biodegradable polymer or its blends with other biodegradable polymers or conventional (non-biodegradable) polymers. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce stable foams for various applications, including containers, packaging systems, as well as for insulation and protective cushioning.

Abstract: An expanded cellular material from aromatic polyester resins obtained by a reactive extrusion foaming of polyester resins, wherein the polyester foam provided with flame retardancy achieves a total heat release (THR600s) less than 6.0 MJ, a fire growth rate (FIGRA) less than 430.0 W/s, a total smoke production (TSP600s) less than 165.0 MJ and no flaming droplets/particles within 600 s according to Single Burning Item (SBI) prEN 13823.

Abstract: This invention relates to monodisperse cross-linked polymer particles, comprising particles with a substantially smooth outer surface and an average diameter of less than 1 ?m, wherein the particles are solid or porous, and wherein the coefficient of variation (CV) % of the particles, when measured by CPS disk centrifugation analysis, is less than 15%. These monodisperse cross-linked polymer particles may comprise magnetic material and are useful in various application. This invention also relates to monodisperse polymer particles for use as seed particles in the Ugelstad process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating composition comprising a) from 20 to 70% by weight, in particular from 30 to 50% by weight, of a clay mineral, b) from 20 to 70% by weight, in particular from 30 to 50% by weight, of an alkali metal silicate, c) from 1 to 30% by weight, in particular from 5 to 20% by weight, of a film-forming polymer, and also to a process for producing coated foam particles and foam moldings produced therefrom and their use.

Abstract: The invention is directed to crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same and their various uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles being made with 0.1-5% hydrophobic monomers and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particles mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a well and when the heat and/or pH of the target zones in the formation cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the hydrophobic groups associate to form a hydrophobically associative polymer, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.

Abstract: A plurality of pellets include at least one of a synthetic, biomass, mineral, or polymer based material. The pellets can have a specific gravity of about 0.01 to about 0.3 g/cm3 and are dimensionally stable, substantially dust-free, substantially non-hygroscopic, and resistant to settling and compression.

Abstract: Process for improving the insulating capacity of expanded vinyl aromatic which comprises: 1) preparing beads of expandable vinyl aromatic polymers containing 1-10% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer, of an expanding agent englobed in the polymeric matrix and 0.001-25% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an athermanous additive comprising carbon black homogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix; 2) treating the surface of the beads, before deposition of the coating, with a liquid lubricating agent; and 3) thermally treating the beads with hot air at a temperature ranging from 30 to 60° C.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a foamed polymer is disclosed, the method comprising, providing a precursor dispersion comprising a precursor of a gellable polymer, particles of a water-swellable polymer and water, and gelling the gellable polymer to form a solid polymer. The method may be used to manufacture a garment, especially a glove. Also disclosed are gloves comprising a liner and at least one foamed polymer layer coated on the liner the foamed polymer layer comprising micropores formed by water swelling and contraction of particles of a water swellable polymer and mesopores formed by gas incorporated in the foamed polymer.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing expanded polyolefin resin particles whose cells are not made nonuniform or extremely smaller as seen in conventional expanded particles, whose cell diameter and expansion ratio can be easily controlled independently, and which, when subjected to in-mold expansion molding, give in-mold expanded molded products satisfactory in fusibility and excellent in surface properties.

Abstract: A method for producing expandable polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene foams (XPS), starting from polystyrene already present in the polymerized state or polystyrene melts, the same containing at least one expanding agent and/or at least one flame or fire retardant and/or at least one radical former as a flame retarding synergist, either from the start and/or being added during the production process. To reduce the extent to which the molecular weight is decreased as a result of the chain decomposition occurring during the heating as part of the production process, at least one stable free radical from the group of organic nitroxyl radicals of the general formula (1) is added to the polystyrene and/or the melt thereof.

Abstract: A production process for heat-expanded microspheres includes the step of providing a gaseous fluid containing heat-expandable microspheres, which includes a shell of thermoplastic resin and a blowing agent encapsulated therein having a boiling point not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin and have an average particle size from 1 to 100 ?m. The gaseous fluid is fed through a gas-introducing tube having a dispersion nozzle on its outlet that is fixed inside a conduit having a hot gas flow flowing therethrough. A jet of the gaseous fluid is emitted through the dispersion nozzle. Further, the gaseous fluid is collided on a collision plate fixed under the dispersion nozzle so as to disperse the heat-expandable microspheres in the hot gas flow. The dispersed heat-expandable microspheres are heated in the hot gas flow at a temperature not lower than their expansion initiating temperature and thus expanded.

Abstract: The present invention is to solve conventional problems, namely, that when an attempt is made to obtain a thick, in-mold foamed molded article with excellent fusibility between beads formed from an acrylic resin expanded beads, cooling takes an extremely long time and production efficiency is poor, and to provide acrylic resin expanded beads with which an in-mold foamed molded article with excellent fusibility between expanded beads can be manufactured in a short cooling time even with a thick foamed molded article such as a block foamed molded article, and the molding cycle can be improved. The acrylic resin expanded beads of the present invention are expanded beads in which an acrylic resin serves as a base resin, and the bead surfaces have continuous ridges in a mesh pattern.

Abstract: A process for preparing a styrene-based (co)polymer comprising the steps of: a) preparing a monomer composition comprising styrene monomer and optionally one or more co-monomers and b) polymerising the monomer composition in the presence of an initiator mixture containing (i) 55-95 wt % of at least one polyfunctional initiator having a 1-hour half-life temperature in the range of 70-110° C. and (ii) 5-45 wt % of at least one monofunctional initiator having a 1-hour half-life temperature in the range of 70-110° C., so as to form the styrene-based (co)polymer.

Abstract: Foamed materials, and methods and systems of producing the same. At least one of the methods includes forming a composite material including paper powder having a maximum particle size between about 30 to about 100 ?m 30 and being between about 20 and 40 weight percent (%) of the composite material, starch powder having a maximum particle size between about 5 to about 30 ?m and being between about 20 and about 40 weight % of the composite material, a polypropylene resin being between about 30.0 and 49.5 weight % of the composite material, and a vapor solution being between about 10 and about 20 weight % of the composite material; and forming the foamed material from the composite material by producing an abrupt expansion of vapor in the composite material.

Abstract: Expandable thermoplastic polyurethane comprising blowing agent, wherein the Shore hardness of the thermoplastic polyurethane is from A 44 to A 84.

Abstract: Heat-expandable microspheres include a shell of thermoplastic resin and core material encapsulated in the shell. The core material include a blowing agent having a boiling point not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin and a gas migration inhibitor having a boiling point higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin. The ratio of the gas migration inhibitor to the core material is at least 1 weight percent and below 30 weight percent. The average particle size of the heat-expandable microspheres ranges from 1 to 100 micrometers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an expandable polystyrene bead having improved adiabaticity and flame-retardance and a method of producing the expandable polystyrene bead. The expandable polystyrene bead comprises 10 to 60 wt % of a flame retardant which is made of one or more selected from among metal or nonmetal oxides, metal or nonmetal hydroxides, silicates, borates and carbonates, having a particle size of 150 ?m. Expanded polystyrene foam having improved adiabaticity and flame-retardance can be obtained using the expandable polystyrene bead. A thin flame-retardant thermal insulator including the expanded polystyrene foam can be widely used in various fire-related fields.

Abstract: A method for forming a fire resistant material is disclosed. The method comprises providing a plurality of expandable beads of a polymeric material. The beads are coated with an exfoliable graphite. The exfoliable graphite is adhered to the beads with a resin having a solubility parameter of the polymeric material. The beads are thereafter caused or allowed to expand and fuse.

Abstract: A method of preparing a light weight concrete composition using expanded polymer particles that includes a) replacing from about 10 to about 50 volume percent of the coarse aggregate in the concrete composition with prepuff particles; and b) preparing the concrete composition by combining ingredients comprising 3-40 volume percent cement, 1-50 volume percent fine aggregate, 0-40 volume percent coarse aggregate, 10-22 volume percent water, and 5-40 volume percent of prepuff particles. The prepuff particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 5 mm, a bulk density of from 0.02 g/cc to 0.56 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3. The concrete composition has a density of from about 90 to about 135 lb./ft3 and after it is set for 28 days, has a compressive strength of at least 1800 psi as tested according to ASTM C39.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided expandable beads of a styrene-modified linear low-density polyethylene-based resin comprising a volatile blowing agent and a base resin, the base resin containing more than 50 to 1000 parts by weight of a polystyrene-based resin component relative to 100 parts by weight of a non-crosslinked linear low-density polyethylene-based resin component, wherein the base resin contains less than 2 wt % of a gel component comprising a graft polymer of the polystyrene-based resin component and the low-density polyethylene-based resin component.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided expandable beads of a styrene-modified linear low-density polyethylene-based resin comprising a volatile blowing agent and a base resin, the base resin containing more than 300 parts by weight and less than 1000 parts by weight of a polystyrene-based resin component relative to 100 parts by weight of a non-crosslinked linear low-density polyethylene-based resin component, wherein the base resin contains 2 to 40 wt % of a gel component comprising a graft copolymer of the polystyrene-based resin component and the low-density polyethylene-based resin component.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic polyester-based resin foamed particles that are excellent in environmental suitability and are produced using a source material derived from a plant, and a molded product of the same are provided. Thus, biodegradable aliphatic polyester-based resin foamed particles retaining high rigidity even when foamed at a high degree and having heat resistance, and a molded product are provided. Biodegradable aliphatic polyester-based resin foamed particles produced by foaming a resin composition obtained by melting and kneading a base resin constituted with a polymer (poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)) having one or more recurring unit represented by the formula: [—O—CHR—CH2—CO—] (wherein, R is an alkyl group represented by CnH2n+1; and n is an integer of 1 to 15) and a polylactic acid-based resin, and an isocyanate compound. A molded product is produced by filling the resin foamed particles into a die, followed by heating and molding.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a composition as well as a set of compositions and method for producing cellular or foamed or blown fluoropolymers such as perfluoropolymers and other thermoplastics articles allowing for the creation of a lower cost communications cable, conductor separator, conductor support-separator, jacketing, tape, wire insulation and in some cases a conduit tube as individual components or combined configurations that exhibit improved electrical, flammability and optical properties. Specifically, the foamable or blown fluoropolymer such as a perfluoropolymer cellular insulation composition comprises; talc and the selected fluoropolymer such as perfluoropolymers. Compounded pellets or products resulting in cellular or foamable products using these pellets has also been realized by providing the melt combination in the pellets of only talc and a perfluoropolymer.

Abstract: Expandable particle composite material suitable for the preparation of expanded materials having a density lower than 40 g/l and a content of closed cells of at least 60%, including heterophase cavities and/or heterophase domains, whose matrix is a synthetic thermoplastic resin having at least 60% by weight of a vinyl aromatic polymer and in which an expanding system is contained, together with a heterogeneously distributed graphite material, having a graphitization degree, calculated by means of the Maire and Mering formula, of at least 0.2.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pre-mix for a syntactic phenolic foam composition; a syntactic phenolic foam composition; and a process for preparing the syntactic phenolic foam composition. The pre-mix comprises thermally expandable and/or expanded thermoplastic microspheres, the microspheres comprising a thermoplastic polymer shell made of a homopolymer or copolymer of 100 to 25, for example 93 to 40, parts by weight of a nitrile-containing, ethylenically unsaturated monomer, or a mixture thereof; and 0 to 75, for example 7 to 60, parts by weight of a non-nitrile-containing, ethylenically unsaturated monomer, or a mixture thereof; and a propellant, or a mixture thereof, trapped within the thermoplastic polymer shell; and one of either a highly reactive phenolic resole resin capable of fully crosslinking at temperatures between 15° C. and 60° C.

Abstract: Macroporous beads and a method of manufacturing and using such macroporous beads. wherein the beads are distinguishable for use in a multiplex assay. Preferably, the beads are distinguishable by two or more unique fluorochromes, and at least some of the beads are magnetically responsive. In a preferred form, some of the macroporous beads have interior pores with a different moiety from the exterior surface, allowing beads with different attached functional groups.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (i) expanded or expandable polystyrene beads or particles (ii) an intumescent, and (iii) a fire-resistant binder the weight of (i) being in the range 20-75% by weight based on the total weight of (i), (ii) and (iii) is disclosed. The fire-resistant binder is an inorganic material chosen from the list comprising metal, silicates, metal aluminates, metal amminosilicates and zeolites preferably an aqueous solution of sodium silicate. A method of preparing a fire-retardant polystyrene is also disclosed.