Abstract: A spray latex foam for filling wall cavities to enhance the sealing and insulating properties of a building is provided. The spray latex foam includes a latex system and a gaseous coagulating component. In at least one exemplary embodiment, carbon dioxide is included as a gaseous coagulating agent. One latex suitable for use in the spray foam is polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), which possesses fire retardancy and environmental durability. However, a preferred latex is styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The latex system may also include a thixotropic agent, such as Laponite® RD synthetic clay. The spray latex foam is polyurethane-free. A method of preparing a spray latex foam that includes supplying a latex system and adding a gaseous coagulating component to the latex system is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to foam a water-base adhesive wherein a gas is dissolved or generated under pressure in the water phase essentially without the formation of foam. To apply the adhesive in the form of foam, the pressurized adhesive is released through a valve onto a substrate at atmospheric pressure, whereby the dissolved gas separates as gas bubbles. The invention relates further to an apparatus for the implementation of said process comprising a pressure-tight container for the adhesive wherein an overpressure is provided through a first valve, and at the outlet of said container a drain valve is placed. The apparatus further comprises a pressure-tight acid vessel for the acid which is furnished with a second valve at its inlet The outlet of said vessel is connected through a third valve to the container.

Abstract: Porous polymeric resins, reaction mixtures and methods that can be used to prepare the porous polymeric resins, and uses of the porous polymeric resin are described. More specifically, the polymeric resins typically have a hierarchical porous structure plus reactive groups that can be used to interact with or react with a variety of different target compounds. The reactive groups can be selected from an acidic group or a salt thereof, an amino group or salt thereof, a hydroxyl group, an azlactone group, a glycidyl group, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing polymer foams by precise control of their morphology through use of microfluidic processes, foams produced in this way and use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel foam-forming composition suitable for rectal administration of locally-acting pharmaceutically active ingredients, and the product adapted to administer said foam-forming composition. Also, the present invention relates to a method for its preparation. According to the present invention a foam-forming composition is provided which exhibits a high expansion ratio and at the same time conferring optimal appearance of the formed foam to allow sufficient contact time of the active to the target site in the intestine in order to obtain optimal local effect. The composition according to the present inventions provides superior properties for the treatment of rectal diseases.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry is described that includes water, a hydraulic component comprising at least 50% calcined gypsum by weight based on the dry weight of the hydraulic component, foam, a defoamer and a polycarboxylate dispersant. In some embodiments of the invention, the defoamer is combined with the dispersant prior to being added to the gypsum slurry. The defoamer and dispersant can be added as a physical mixture, wherein the defoamer is attached onto the dispersant polymer, or a combination thereof. A gypsum building panel is made from the gypsum slurry.

Abstract: Polyolefin dispersions, froths, and foams and articles manufactured therefrom are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for generating a thermoplastic foam from an aqueous dispersion. The aqueous dispersion may include a thermoplastic resin, water, and a stabilizing agent. The method may include adding at least one frothing surfactant to the aqueous dispersion to form a mixture, adding a flame retardant and/or a phase change material, frothing the mixture to create a froth, and removing at least a portion of the water to produce the foam.

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: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of expandable polystyrene comprising the following steps: io) heating an aqueous suspension comprising styrene monomer and at least one organic peroxide initiator of formula (I) 1-alkoxy-1-t-alkylperoxycyclohexane in which the alkoxy group contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms, the t-alkyl group contains 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and the cyclohexane ring may optionally be substituted with 1 to 3 alkyl groups each, independently having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, at a temperature ranging from 100° C. to 120° C., iio) adding a blowing agent selected from the group consisting of alkanes having from 4 to 6 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof. The invention also relates to an expandable polystyrene obtainable according to such a process and to insulation parts and packaging comprising such an expandable polystyrene.

Abstract: A cannister-based, high solids, low and non-VOC aerosol adhesive and canister based system. The aerosol adhesive typically includes a high solids polymeric base, a hexane or cyclohexane and acetone solvent mixture and a compressed gas dissolved within the solvent. The compressed gas typically includes carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide and air. The aerosol adhesive is adapted to be filled into a cannister including a hose connected to the canister and a spray gun connected to the hose. The system typically includes high solids with a high viscosity. Thus the canister typically maintains high pressures up to 350 psi, but typically at 260 psi while maintaining 325 psi at 130° F., to deliver effective spray patterns.

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.

Abstract: A polymer system and device with a hemocompatible film or coated polymers is provided, the polymer system comprises an organic phase and an aqueous phase, the organic phase comprises polymerizable monomers and at least one initiator and the aqueous phase comprises at least one dispersing agent, at least one free radical inhibitor and at least one buffering agent, the organic phase is immiscible in the aqueous phase, and the dispersing agent forms a hemocompatible surface on the polymer, and the device comprises a housing for containing the polymer system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer wherein an increased rate of water absorption is obtained by the addition of an encapsulated blowing agent. The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer including an encapsulating blowing agent and having a vortex time of 40 seconds or less. In particular, the superabsorbent polymer includes from about 55 to about 99.9 wt. % of polymerizable unsaturated acid group containing monomers; from about 0.001 to about 5.0 wt. % of internal crosslinking agent; wherein the wherein the composition has a degree of neutralization of more than about 20%; and from about 0.05 to about 10.0 wt. % of an encapsulated blowing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing polyurethane foams, by frothing and drying mixtures of specific polyurethane dispersions and crosslinkers.

Abstract: Olefin polymer-based, durable, open-cell foam compositions, structures and articles derived from same; methods for preparation of such foams; and use of the dry durable foams in various applications are disclosed. Further described is use of the foams and structures and articles made of same in absorption, filtration, insulation, cushioning and backing applications, and in particular for odor removal, hygiene and medical applications due to, among other properties, good absorption capabilities, softness and/or flexibility of the foams and their recyclable nature.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of insulating a structure. The method comprises providing a quantity of a foam-forming composition between structural elements and permitting the foam-forming composition to expand to form a foam. The foam-forming composition comprises an aqueous emulsion or solution of a natural or synthetic film-forming polymer, a surfactant, hydrogen peroxide and an activating agent which causes the hydrogen peroxide to release oxygen gas sufficient to produce a foam. An insulated structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Foams for filling cavities and crevasses and for forming foamed products are provided. The latex foam may include an A-side containing a functionalized latex and a B-side that contains a crosslinking agent and optionally a non-functionalized latex. The A- and/or B-side contain a blowing agent package or components forming the blowing agent package. The blowing agent package may be the combination of two or more chemicals that when mixed together form a gas or a chemical compound that, when activated by heat or light, forms a gas. In an alternate embodiment, the latex foam includes a functionalized latex, an acid, and an encapsulated crosslinking agent and base. Alternatively, the spray latex foam may include a functionalized latex, a crosslinking agent, and an encapsulated dry acid and dry base. The encapsulating agent may be a protective, non-reactive shell that can be broken or melted at the time of application.

Abstract: Foams for filling cavities and crevasses and for forming foamed products are provided. The latex foam may include an A-side containing a functionalized latex and a B-side that contains a crosslinking agent and optionally a non-functionalized latex. The A- and/or B-side contain a blowing agent package or components forming the blowing agent package. The blowing agent package may be the combination of two or more chemicals that when mixed together form a gas or a chemical compound that, when activated by heat or light, forms a gas. In an alternate embodiment, the latex foam includes a functionalized latex, an acid, and an encapsulated crosslinking agent and base. Alternatively, the spray latex foam may include a functionalized latex, a crosslinking agent, and an encapsulated dry acid and dry base. The encapsulating agent may be a protective, non-reactive shell that can be broken or melted at the time of application.

Abstract: A substantially closed-cell silicone elastomer porous body includes cells with diameters of 50 ?m or less, which occupy 50% or more of all the cells, and has a closed cell rate of 60% or more.

Abstract: A polymer with a hemocompatible film or coating is manufactured by a one-step method comprising polymerizing monomer droplets comprising at least one crosslinking agent to form a polymer and simultaneously coating the resulting polymer using at least one dispersing agent to thereby form a hemocompatible coated polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising pentafluoropropane, a second component selected from the group consisting of decafluoropropane, perfluorobutyl methyl ether and combinations of these, and a third component selected from the group consisting of methanol, 1,2-trans-dichloroethylene and combinations of these. The present invention further provides for refrigerants, blowing agents, foam compositions, polyol premixes, closed-cell foams, sprayable compositions, and the like, comprising the present compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer wherein an increased rate of water absorption is obtained by the addition of an encapsulated blowing agent. The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer including an encapsulating blowing agent and having a vortex time of 40 seconds or less. In particular, the superabsorbent polymer includes from about 55 to about 99.9 wt. % of polymerizable unsaturated acid group containing monomers; from about 0.001 to about 5.0 wt. % of internal crosslinking agent; wherein the wherein the composition has a degree of neutralization of more than about 20%; and from about 0.05 to about 10.0 wt. % of an encapsulated blowing agent.

Abstract: A polymer system with a hemocompatible film or coating is provided, the system comprises an organic phase and an aqueous phase, the organic phase comprises polymerizable monomers and at least one initiator and the aqueous phase comprises at least one dispersing agent, at least one free radical inhibitor and at least one buffering agent, the organic phase is immiscible in the aqueous phase, and the dispersing agent forms a hemocompatible surface on the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods of making high internal phase emulsion foam (HIPE) and inverse high internal phase emulsion foam (I-HIPE) using super critical fluids. Such foams may be used in a wide variety of articles such as absorbent articles.

Abstract: The invention is a decorating medium, system and method for producing relief art on substrate surfaces. The decorating medium is an acrylic emulsion based medium containing an expandable polymer which expands the medium upon heating. The acrylic emulsion is produced with a mixture of an acrylic binder and an acrylic thickener or a cellulosic thickener combined in the appropriate range to obtain a medium rheology suitable for controlled application of the medium to the substrate surfaces. The decorating medium is applied to a substrate surface in a desired pattern either directly from a storage bottle or tube equipped with a nozzle or with an applicator such as a brush, a sponge, a knife or spatula. The desired pattern is achieved by free hand or by using a stencil or mask. After the decorating medium is applied to the surface of the substrate in the desired pattern, the medium is cured and heated. The heat causes the medium to expand and creates the relief art on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A polymer with a hemocompatible film or coating is manufactured by a one-step method comprising polymerizing monomer droplets comprising at least one crosslinking agent to form a polymer and simultaneously coating the resulting polymer using at least one dispersing agent to thereby form a hemocompatible coated polymer.

Abstract: A more controllable fibrous acoustic ceiling patch or textured material in the form of a sprayable composition includes a base, a filler, an adhesive binder, an anti-foaming agent, a suspension agent, and fibrous materials. The more controllable acoustic ceiling patch is storable and dispensable from a pressurized dispenser having a delivery nozzle. An aerosol system with a spray nozzle is included on the container for selective discharge of the textured material onto a prepared patch area, which may be on a drywall or support panel so as to match and blend with the surrounding acoustic ceiling surface area in order to provide a continuous and unbroken coextensive surface texture of mechanically and visually matched material.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a stable flexible latex foam. The latex foam will contain at least one polymer having a plurality of hard domains and a plurality of soft domains, a micelle forming agent, a hydrocarbon propellant substantially free of dimethyl ether, and an agent which is a solvent for said micelle forming agent and an emulsifier for said hydrocarbon propellant.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making foams by photopolymerizing emulsions comprising a reactive phase and a phase immiscible with the reactive phase components. Foams made from water-in-oil emulsions, including high internal phase emulsion are disclosed. Articles and uses for the foams are also described.

Abstract: A resin mixture for forming a stable closed cell foam contains a phenolic resole, a chain extending agent, and as curing agents, a base, and an ester and/or an aliphatic carbonate. The chain extending agent is especially an epoxy resin and/or a phenolic novalak resin.

Abstract: A water-repellent composition for foaming process of a hydrophobic textile, comprising (A) a dispersion of a fluorine-containing polymer, (B) a foaming agent, and (C) a wetting agent is suitable for water-repellent treatment of the hydrophobic textile and can give easy generation of sufficient foaming.

Abstract: The invention relates to expanded polypropylene beads having a density of from 5 to 200 g/l and a bead diameter of from 1 to 10 mm which comprise from 0.002 to 20% by weight of graphite particles.

Abstract: A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted and dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric. In an alternative embodiment, an extensible fabric is coated with an extensible binder containing microencapsulated phase change material to form an extensible, coated fabric. The coated fabric is optionally flocked. The coated fabrics are manufactured using transfer techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a knitted textile material that, when transfer or film-coated, is suitable for use as an artificial leather substrate. The inventive procedure involves (a) producing an elastomer composition of at least four ingredients (an anionically-stabilized waterborne polymer dispersion, an acid-generating chemical, a cloud-point surfactant, and a foam-stabilizing surfactant); (b) incorporating sufficient gas into the liquid mixture to generate a spreadable foam; (c) applying the foam onto a porous knitted textile substrate; (d) heating said foamed fabric until the elastomer coagulates over the fabric substrate; and (e) drying the resultant composite without destroying the coagulated structure. The resultant composite obtains a pliability, compressibility, and drape that is similar to that of leather and a surface that is suitable for transfer or film-coating to produce artificial leather.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of styrene polymers containing water as expanding agent by suspension polymerization of styrene in the presence of an emulsifying auxiliary, the suspending agent being a mixture of water and an organic liquid which is water-miscible and which is virtually a non-solvent for polystyrene and has a boiling point below 100° C.

Abstract: Flexible polyurethane, polyacrylic and polybutadiene foams can be obtained with cyclopentane as a blowing agent and are useful as coatings for leather or leather substitutes.

Abstract: A beaded polymeric adsorbent has a core part; a shell part arranged around the core part, with one of the parts having a lipophilic property and another of the parts having a hydrophilic property, and is produced by preparing an organic phase composed of water insoluble monounsaturated and poly unsaturated comonomers; preparing an aqueous phase composed of a mixture of water soluble monounsaturated and polyunsaturated comonomers; forming a dispersion of the organic phase and the aqueous phase in a single vessel; and creating conditions for first polymerizing of one of the phases which forms the core part and thereafter polymerizing the other of the phases which forms the shell part.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing composite thermal insulating systems using an organic adhesive or filler material serving as an adhesive for insulating boards to be attached to a facade or as a filler material for evening out facade unevenness prior to attaching the insulating boards or for producing a reinforcing layer on the attached insulating boards. The adhesive or filler material is foamed prior to its use.

Abstract: A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted and dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric.

Abstract: Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. These compositions comprise aqueous emulsions of film forming polymers in combination with microfibers. The preferred film forming polymers and the microfibers include functional groups capable of forming bonds, particularly hydrogen bonds, between these components. In another aspect of the invention, the compositions include a high temperature foam stabilizer, such as a high molecular weight fatty alcohols, having melting points greater than about 110° F.

Abstract: Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. These compositions comprise aqueous emulsions of film forming polymers in combination with microfibers. The preferred film forming polymers and the microfibers include functional groups capable of forming bonds, particularly hydrogen bonds, between these components. In another aspect of the invention, the compositions include a high temperature foam stabilizer, such as a high molecular weight fatty alcohols, having melting points greater than about 110° F.

Abstract: Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a waxy, solid foam stabilizer and a liquid lithophilic surfactant having low HLB value of about 3-14. The foam stabilizer provides stable support for bubbles formed from the drying of the latex emulsion of film forming polymer, and the volatile liquid hydrocarbon propellant. In addition to the use in caulking sealant or insulation methods, the compositions can be used to form artificial terrains or other hardenable structural surfaces as backgrounds or support means for hobbies, crafts and the like.

Abstract: Aqueous spray-resistant and pourable foams (S), produced by mechanical foaming of corresponding aqueous compositions (W), wherein the aqueous phase contains (A) a curable polymer system, which consists of (U) an ionomeric polyurethane or a mixture of ionomeric polyurethanes and optionally (P) one or more further polymers curable at least together with (U), and (B) at least one foam-stabilizer and the liter-weight of (S) at 20° C. and normal pressure is in the range of 400 to 700 g, are eminently suitable for foam-coating of corresponding substrates, in particular of leather.

Abstract: Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. These compositions comprise aqueous emulsions of film forming polymers in combination with microfibers. The preferred film forming polymers and the microfibers include functional groups capable of forming bonds, particularly hydrogen bonds, between these components. In another aspect of the invention, the compositions include a high temperature foam stabilizer, such as a high molecular weight fatty alcohols, having melting points greater than about 110° F.

Abstract: A process for preparing multi-stage emulsion polymers is provided. The process is capable of producing multi-stage emulsion polymers having low dry-bulk density. These polymers are useful in coating compositions such as paints and paper coatings.

Abstract: A water-absorbent resin is produced by dispersing a solid blowing agent having an average particle diameter within a range of from 1 &mgr;m to 100 &mgr;m in an aqueous monomer solution containing an unsaturated monomer and a cross-linking agent, and then polymerizing the unsaturated monomer. The water-absorbent resin has excellent water absorption characteristics, such as improved dispersion and absorption rate of aqueous fluid, enhanced water retention capacity and dry touch, lower water-soluble component content, and lower residual monomer content. When a water-absorbent resin composition using the water-absorbent resin is used for, for example, a sanitary material, it is possible to improve the absorption rate and water retention capacity, and prevent leakage of fluid from the sanitary material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous crosslinked hydrophilic polymeric material having cavities joined by interconnecting pores wherein at least some of the cavities at the interior of the material communicate with the surface of the material. The present invention also relates to a process for producing the polymeric material. This process involves combining a hydrophilic monomer phase with an oil discontinuous phase to form an emulsion, and polymerizing the emulsion. The emulsion can be a high internal phase emulsion (i.e., a “HIPE”). The polymeric material can be produced in a variety of forms. In one embodiment the emulsion is suspended in an oil suspension medium, and emulsion droplets are polymerized to produce polymeric microbeads.

Abstract: A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted and dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric.

Abstract: A composition comprising a vinyl acetate acrylic copolymer or a carboxylated acrylic copolymer with or without additional latices, about 1 to 6 parts of a non-ionic surfactant, from 0 to 4 parts of a coalescing agent and from 0 to 5 parts of a co-surfactant, with about 15 to 100 parts of starch, and a propellant in the amount of from about 2% to 10% by weight of the entire composition. The composition is preferably contained under pressure in an aerosol can.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-swellable crosslinked polymer that displays high absorption capacity when put under an increased pressure in a state combined with a fibrous base matter. The water-swellable crosslinked polymer has a total pore volume of 60 v/v % or more relative to the entire amount of the absorption of a physiological salt solution into the polymer with regard to pores with a pore size of 51-270 .ANG. when swollen with the physiological salt solution, or the polymer has a total pore volume of 80 v/v % or more relative to the entire amount of the absorption of ion-exchanged water into the polymer with regard to pores with a pore size of 51-270 .ANG. when swollen with the ion-exchanged water.