Abstract: A preparation method of a high-rate foamed polylactic acid (PLA) sheet includes first-stage extrusion, second-stage extrusion, and foamed sheet extrusion. The method requires the following raw materials in parts by mass: 88 to 94 parts of PLA, 1 to 2 parts of a nucleating agent, 2 to 5 parts of a foaming agent, and 2 to 5 parts of an additive. The new method effectively solves the problems of low foaming rate, low strength, and the like in the industrial production using carbon dioxide, and a prepared PLA sheet with high foaming rate and excellent surface performance can be used in the fields of food packaging, disposable fully-degradable lunch boxes, and the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a foam bead. The foam bead is formed from a composition containing (A) a silane-functionalized ethylene/?-olefin multi-block interpolymer. The present disclosure also provides a sintered foam structure. The sintered foam structure is formed from foam beads that are formed from a composition containing (A) a silane-functionalized ethylene/?-olefin multi-block interpolymer.

Abstract: Molded polymer foam articles are described as having a novel foam structure. The polymer foam articles include a continuous polymer matrix defining a plurality of pneumatoceles therein which is present throughout the entirety of the article. The surface region is further characterized as having compressed pneumatoceles. The novel foam structure is achieved even when molding polymer foam articles comprising a shape and volume wherein a sphere having a diameter between 2 cm and 1000 cm would fit within the article in at least one location without protruding from a surface of the article, and the article further has a total volume of more than 1000 cm3. Methods of making a stabilized molten polymer foam, and of making a molded polymer foam article using the stabilized molten polymer foam are also described.

Abstract: An extruding system includes a melting unit configured to convey a polymeric material, a mixing unit configured to mix the polymeric material with a blowing agent to form a mixture, an injection unit configured to inject the mixture, a first flow control element disposed between the melting unit and the mixing unit, and a second flow control element disposed between the mixing unit and the injection unit. A method of extruding includes conveying a polymeric material from a melting unit to a mixing unit, conveying a blowing agent into the mixing unit, mixing the polymeric material with the blowing agent to form a mixture, conveying the mixture from the mixing unit to an injection unit, and discharging the mixture from the injection unit, wherein flow of the polymeric material is controlled by a first flow control element, and flow of the mixture is controlled by a second flow control element.

Abstract: A polymer composition may include an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer at an amount ranging from 10 to 90 phr; an elastomeric EVA composition at an amount ranging from 10 to 90 phr; a plasticizer at an amount ranging from 5 to 40 phr; a blowing agent in an amount ranging from 2 to 10 phr; and a peroxide in an amount ranging from 0.3 to 4 phr.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing foam and foam produced thereby. The method for producing foam includes a step for producing foam by kneading and injection molding a first extrusion product and a second extrusion product, wherein the first extrusion product is obtained by extruding a first composition including an aromatic vinyl-based resin, and the second extrusion product is obtained by extruding a second composition including a polyamide resin and a foaming agent.

Abstract: A temperature insulated packaging system includes a container having interior surface bounding an interior volume and a liner disposed within the interior volume and at least partially bounding a compartment configured to receive an item for temperature insulated shipping. The liner includes a first sleeve made of cellulose material and at least partially bounds a channel. The first sleeve has an outside wall disposed adjacent to the container and an opposing inside wall disposed adjacent to the compartment configured to receive the item for shipping, the channel being disposed between the inside wall and the outside wall. At least one insulation sheet is disposed within the channel of the first sleeve, the at least one insulation sheet being made of a cellulose material and having a plurality of recesses formed thereon.

Abstract: Molded polymer foam articles are described as having a novel foam structure. The polymer foam articles include a continuous polymer matrix defining a plurality of pneumatoceles therein which is present throughout the entirety of the article. The surface region is further characterized as having compressed pneumatoceles. The novel foam structure is achieved even when molding polymer foam articles comprising a shape and volume wherein a sphere having a diameter between 2 cm and 1000 cm would fit within the article in at least one location without protruding from a surface of the article, and the article further has a total volume of more than 1000 cm3. Methods of making a stabilized molten polymer foam, and of making a molded polymer foam article using the stabilized molten polymer foam are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixing elements with a reduced structural depth for static mixers, to static mixers comprising at least two mixing elements with a reduced structural depth, and to a method for mixing fluids using a mixing element with a reduced structural depth or a static mixer comprising at least two mixing elements with a reduced structural depth. In the mixing elements, the thickness of the transverse strut at its thickest point is maximally 0.9 to 1.1 times the thickness of the webs multiplied by the cosine of half the opening angle O divided by the sine of the whole opening angle O.

Abstract: A rigid polymer foam having specific characteristics in terms of resin absorption, and a structural element made from such rigid polymer foam and adapted to be used as a core layer in a multilayer structural element.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising: (a) from 50% by volume to 99% by volume, preferably from 70% by volume to 95% by volume, of at least one homopolymer or copolymer of ethylene; (b) from 1% by volume to 50% by volume, preferably from 5% by volume to 30% by volume, of at least two fillers having different thermal conductivity; (c) from 100 ppm to 4000 ppm, preferably from 200 ppm to 3500 ppm of at least one fluoropolymer; the sum of (a)+(b) being 100. Said polymer composition can be used as a phase change material (PCM), in particular for thermal energy storage (TES), more in particular for the storage of solar energy.

Abstract: A process for the production of expanded material based on sulfone polymers includes an extrusion step in an extruder of virgin sulfone polymer with the injection of at least one expanding agent and in the presence of at least one nucleating agent, and a recycling step of part of the expanded material, which provides a recycled product used as raw material fed to the extruder in combination with the virgin sulfone polymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to propulsion systems (e.g., electrospray devices such as electrospray emitters and/or electrospray thrusters) having a sublimable barrier that may act as a passive valve for a propellant (e.g., a source of ions). The sublimable barrier may be located and arranged such that it physically separates a propellant, such as a source of ions, from an ambient environment exterior to the propulsion system. After the sublimable barrier has sublimated due to exposure to vacuum, and where appropriate diffused out of the propulsion system, the propulsion system may be operated normally. In some embodiments, the sublimable barrier may be a solid sublimable organic compound.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing thin-walled small plastic parts having an average wall thickness of less than about 1.5 mm, wherein the small plastic parts are produced in a plastic injection-molding method from polyethylene furanoate (PEF) having a viscosity of, for example, 0.3 dl/g to 0.7 dl/g, for example, preferably less than e.g., 0.6 dl/g, measured according to a measurement method as per ASTM D4603, which polyethylene furanoate has an exemplary water content of less than 100 ppm in the plastic injection process.

Abstract: A processing system for producing starch based expanded products useful as packing material for shipping, packaging and insulating applications. Generally, two processing steps for forming materials are involved. In a first step, dense pellets or granules are formed from starch and a plasticizing agent, such as a plasticizing polymer, for example, polyvinyl alcohol. The starch in the pellets is generally formed, for example with an extruder, into a thermoplastic or thermosetting form for further processing. The pellets generally have an individual density of at least about 70 lbs./cubic foot and a small size for convenient delivery for the second processing step. The second process step is based on the expanding of the material from an extruder with water as the expansion agent in which the dwell time in the extruder is short. The process is designed such that a less expensive single screw extruder is suitable for extruding the expanded material.

Abstract: A mechanism for mixing a supercritical fluid and a polymer raw material melt provided by the present invention includes a hot-melting unit, a mixing unit, and a supercritical fluid supplying unit. The mixing unit, independently of the hot-melting unit, receives a polymer melt from the hot-melting unit and a supercritical fluid from the supercritical fluid supplying unit, respectively, and mixes the polymer melt and the supercritical fluid into a homogenous single-phase solution. The hot-melting unit is provided with a pushing member for pushing a polymer raw material. The mixing unit is provided with a mixing rotor for mixing the polymer melt and the supercritical fluid.

Abstract: A foaming process for converting fibrous material into a cellular foam structure includes mixing fibrous material and a solvent-based binding agent to form a mixture; saturating the mixture with a pressurized gas to form a gas-saturated mixture; expanding the gas-saturated mixture by reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas to form an expanded mixture with voids in the fibrous material; and curing the expanded mixture to set the fibrous material and drive off the solvent to provide a stable network of fibrous material having cushioning properties.

Abstract: A foamable composition comprises in weight percent based on the weight of the composition: (A) 45 to 95 wt % HDPE, (B) 4 to 54 wt % LDPE, and (C) 0.01 to 2 wt % of a nucleating agent comprising in weight percent based on the weight of the nucleating agent: (1) 20 to 80 wt % of fluororesin, e.g., PTFE, and (2) 80 to 20 wt % of expandable polymeric microspheres.

Abstract: A microdense sealing member is provided. The microdense sealing member includes a composition having a foamed silane-crosslinked polyolefin elastomer with a density less than 0.70 g/cm3. The microdense sealing member can exhibit a compression set of from about 5.0% to about 35.0% measured according to ASTM D 395 (22 hrs @ 70° C.). The foamed silane-crosslinked polyolefin elastomer can be produced from a blend including a first polyolefin having a density less than 0.86 g/cm3, a second polyolefin having a crystallinity less than 60° C., a silane crosslinker, a grafting initiator, a condensation catalyst, and a microencapsulated foaming agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous polymer coatings having adhesive and air flow resistive properties. The porous polymer coating comprises a polymeric foam having a void fraction of greater than about 15% and an air permeability greater than 3 cubic feet per minute per square foot as measured based on ASTM D737-04.

Abstract: A composition which can provide foamed moldings and foamed electric wires having a small average cell size and a high foam content and causing fewer sparks. The composition includes a fluororesin (A) and a compound (B) which is a sulfonic acid or a salt thereof. The sulfonic acid is represented by the following formula (1): F(CF2)nSO3H (1) wherein n is 4 or 5, or the following formula (2): F(CF2)nCH2CH2SO3H (2) wherein n is 4 or 5. Also disclosed is a foamed molding formed from the composition and a method for producing a foamed molding.

Abstract: Described herein are solid and foamable fluoropolymer alloy compositions and foamed articles using said foamable fluoropolymer alloy compositions. The foamable fluoropolymer alloy compositions can comprise a fluoropolymer, and a plastic polymer mixed with said fluoropolymer, wherein said plastic polymer is miscible with said fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer alloy composition may further comprise a foaming agent. By way of example, the foaming agent can be talc or a talc derivative, or a mixture of talc (or talc derivative) with a citrate compound, such as a citrate salt. One or more additives are added to render the compositions flame retardant and/or smoke suppressant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing sheet containing a flame retardant adhesive sheet having a flame retardant-containing adhesive layer, wherein the flame retardant-containing adhesive layer has a void content of 5-40%.

Abstract: A method of treating a biobased feedstock derived from agricultural resources and specifically from the non-distillate products of fermentation-derived renewable fuel and distilled spirit processes. The separation of thermally labile components from biobased feedstocks result in materials that are thermally stable and better suited for subsequent melt processing in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: This invention provides a plastic container characterized in that an expanded layer comprising expanded cells having a flat shape with an average major axis of not more than 400 ?m and an average aspect ratio (L/t) of not less than 6 as viewed in cross section of the container wall along the maximum stretch direction, which are oriented in the stretch direction and are distributed so as to be superimposed on top of each other in the thickness-wise direction, is formed within the container wall. In this container, expanded cells having a flat shape are distributed so as to orient in a given direction and, thus, has light shielding properties and has a pearl-like appearance, that is, has a very high commercial value. Further, since any colorant is not contained, the suitability for recycling is excellent.

Abstract: Provided is an extruded polystyrene foam which is obtained by extrusion foaming using a polystyrene resin and a foaming agent, contains 0.5-8.0 parts by weight of a flame retardant based on 100 parts by weight of the polystyrene resin and has an apparent density of 20-45 kg/m3 and a closed cell ratio of 90% or more. The foaming agent contains HFO and an additional organic foaming agent. The amount of HFO is 0.030-0.125 mol/per 100 g of the polystyrene resin, polystyrene permeability of the additional organic foaming agent is 0.5×10?10 cc·cm/cm2·s·cmHg or more, an organic foaming agent having a polystyrene permeability of less than 0.5×10?10 cc·cm/cm2·s·cmHg is not included, and the total amount of HFO and the additional organic foaming agent is 0.105-0.300 mol/per 100 g of the polystyrene resin.

Abstract: A cable separator comprising a preshaped article having a longitudinal length, wherein said preshaped article is substantially entirely formed of a foamed polymer material having a glass transition temperature greater than 160° C. and being halogen-free is provided. A data communications cable comprising a plurality of conductors and the cable separator of the present invention, wherein said cable separator separates the plurality of conductors is provided. A method of manufacturing a cable comprising the separator of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new polypropylene composition for molded articles, such as finished parts for the automotive industry. A composition comprising: (A) from 40 to 85% by weight of a first propylene-based component being selected from propylene homopolymers, propylene copolymers and heterophasic propylene polymer, such first propylene-based component having a flexural modulus higher than 800 MPa; (B) from 5 to 20% by weight of a second propylene-based component being a heterophasic propylene polymer comprising: (B1) from 20 to 90% by weight of a crystalline polypropylene, and (B2) from 10 to 80% by weight of a copolymer of ethylene and at least one C3-C10 alpha-olefin, such copolymer containing from 10 to 70% by weight of ethylene, being soluble in xylene at room temperature, and having an intrinsic viscosity in tetrahydronaphtalene at 135° C. of higher than 3.5 dl/g; and (C) from 10 to 40% by weight of glass fibers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an implantable medical device comprising a composite graft material including a first biologic component, such as an acellular tissue matrix, and a second non-biologic component.

Abstract: A composition for sportswear, includes a rubber component (a) which contains an epihalohydrin rubber, a vulcanizing agent (b) in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by weight for 100 parts by weight of the rubber component (a), and a foaming agent (c) in an amount of 0.5 to 20 parts by weight therefor. The composition for sportswear is preferably includes a colorant (d).

Abstract: A method for improving the dimensional stability of PTFE membranes by the application of elevated temperature and elevated pressure to a PTFE membrane. The process reduces and/or eliminates the relaxation stress normally associated with PTFE membranes made using previously existing methods.

Abstract: Various uses of chloro, fluoroalkenes, particularly (HFCO-1233) in a variety of applications, including as blowing agents are disclosed.

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 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 method for manufacturing a coaxial cable werein a polymer is irradiated and extruded around a metallic inner conductor and the polymer is then surrounded with a metallic outer conductor. The irradiated polymer may be irradiated, for example, via electron beam, for example, between 0.25 and 4 MRad.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an eco friendly foam package material includes a raw material mixing step for mixing raw materials uniformly and thoroughly to form a mixed raw material, a raw material hybrid-melting step for performing a hybrid-melting process to form a hybrid-melted material, a particle forming step for performing the particle forming process by putting the hybrid-melted material into a pelletizer to form plastic particles, and a foam extrusion step. In the foam extrusion step the plastic particles are melted to become a gelatinous state material, and foamed with non-chemical method. Since the properties of the biodegradable polymer are changed by the decomposition enzyme, and further to mix with bio-cellulose and the industrial starch, such that the eco friendly foam package material with compostability is obtained.

Abstract: New shape memory polymer compositions, methods for synthesizing new shape memory polymers, and apparatus comprising an actuator and a shape memory polymer wherein the shape memory polymer comprises at least a portion of the actuator. A shape memory polymer comprising a polymer composition which physically forms a network structure wherein the polymer composition has shape-memory behavior and can be formed into a permanent primary shape, re-formed into a stable secondary shape, and controllably actuated to recover the permanent primary shape. Polymers have optimal aliphatic network structures due to minimization of dangling chains by using monomers that are symmetrical and that have matching amine and hydroxyl groups providing polymers and polymer foams with clarity, tight (narrow temperature range) single transitions, and high shape recovery and recovery force that are especially useful for implanting in the human body.

Abstract: Disclosed are fast-curing, inexpensive corn-gluten resin compositions, methods for making them, methods for forming them into solid articles. In some embodiments, the resin composition includes corn meal gluten and a non-toxic organic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a halogen-free, flame-retardant polyolefin foam, a polyolefin foam obtainable by the process and a laminate using the polyolefin foam. As halogen-free flame-retardant a combination of a phosphorus compound and a 1,3,5-triazine compound is used. The produced flame-retardant polyolefin foam exhibits particular advantageous mechanical, physical and chemical properties which allow its application especially in the construction and transport sectors.

Abstract: A formulation for foaming a thermoplastic polymer, for example PVC, comprises a carrier, exothermic and endothermic chemical blowing agents and 1 wt %, preferably less than 0.2 wt % of water. The liquid formulation can readily be used for foaming PVC and other thermoplastics.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing low density foams comprises the following steps. A polymeric material is melted in a first extruder (201) to a polymer melt, a blowing agent is added to the polymer melt, and a melt containing the blowing agent is obtained which is directed to a second extruder (211). Thereafter the melt containing the blowing agent is cooled in the second extruder (211), thereafter the melt is directed through a static mixer after leaving the second extruder (211), whereby the static mixer is disposed with a mixer insert (3), by which the temperature of the melt is homogenized over the entire cross-section, whereby the static mixer can be cooled and/or heated to obtain a temperature stabilized cooled melt. Subsequently the temperature stabilized cooled melt is discharged through a die element (240, 250).

Abstract: Nanocomposite compositions based on expandable thermoplastic polymers which comprise: a) a polymeric matrix produced by the polymerization of a base comprising one or more polymerizable monomers; b) 1-10% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an expanding agent englobed in the polymeric matrix; c) 0.004-15% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an athermanous filler comprising nano-scaled graphene plates with a thickness (orthogonal to the graphene sheet) not greater than 150 nm, an average dimension (length, width, or diameter) not greater than 10 micrometers and a surface area>50 m2/g.

Abstract: Methods to produce substantially closed cell foams with densities less than 0.75 g/cm3, and more preferably less than 0.5 g/cm3, without substantial loss of the polymer's weight average molecular weight, have been developed. The closed cells foams have an open cell content of generally less than 50%, and more preferably an open cell content of less than 20%, and the cells have a maximum diameter of less than 5 mm. The foam may include poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or a copolymer thereof. Preferably, the foam is derived by heating a foam polymer formula to a temperature above the melt temperature of the polymer to form a melt polymer system, adding a blowing agent to produce a foamable melt, extruding the foamable melt through a die to a lower pressure to cause foaming, cooling of the foam, and solidification of the foam. These foam structures can be used for fabrication of medical products.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparing a microporous polyolefin film comprising: a step of injecting a composition comprising polyolefin 30 to 60 wt % and a diluent, which can make liquid-liquid phase separation with the polyolefin thermodynamically 40 to 70 wt %, into an extruding machine, and melting and kneading thereof to prepare a single phase melt; and a step of extruding the melt while conducting liquid-liquid phase separation by passing through a section having the temperature below the liquid-liquid phase separation temperature and forming thereof in the form of a sheet, and a microporous polyolefin film prepared according to the method.

Abstract: A crosslinked product of a polyarylene is disclosed, having high-temperature elastomeric properties and excellent chemical resistance. The crosslinked materials are useful in oil and gas downhole applications in the form of either solids or foams. Methods for the manufacture of the crosslinked product and articles comprising the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprises a low-molecular-weight (LMW) ethylene polymer component and a high-molecular-weight (HMW) ethylene polymer component coupled with a polysulfonyl azide. Preferably, the LMW polyethylene component and the HMW polyethylene component co-crystallize in the composition such that it exhibits a single or substantially single peak in a lamella thickness distribution (LTD) curve. The ethylene polymer for the LMW and the HMW polyethylene components can be either homopolymer or ethylene copolymer. Preferably, both components are an ethylene copolymer of the same, or different, composition (that is, with the same or different comonomers). A method of making a pipe that includes selecting a polymer composition having a substantially single peak in the LTD curve is described. Compositions comprising a chromium-catalyzed ethylene polymer, coupled with a polysulfonyl azide are also described herein.

Abstract: A polylactic acid composition is produced with an MI value of 0.05 or more and 5 or less, the MI value being measured at 190° C. under a load of 21.6 kg in accordance with JIS K7210 (ISO 1133). A polylactic acid is crosslinked with a polyisocyanate to generate a cross-linked polylactic acid, including a large cross-linked polylactic acid molecule which inhibits foaming. The cross-linked polylactic acid is mechanically grinded-by applying a shear force to decrease a molecular weight of the large cross-linked polylactic acid molecule. The amount of the polyisocyanate combined is 0.4 to 5% by weight based on the polylactic acid. The grinding is conducted in supercritical condition of an inert gas. A foam molded article is made from the polylactic acid composition.

Abstract: Provided is a process for preparing polystyrene having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of 120,000-160,000 g/mol, a polydispersity in the range of 4-6 and a melt flow rate of at least 40 g/10 minutes by feeding styrene into a reaction system through which the styrene passes as a component of a reaction mixture as it is polymerized, the reaction system including an initial reaction zone (100) and a downstream reaction zone (200), comprising the steps of: polymerizing styrene in the initial reaction zone to form polystyrene having a Mw of greater than 300,000 g/mol and a polydispersity in the range 1.5-2.5, 10-30 wt. % of the styrene fed to the initial reaction zone being polymerized there, —and polymerizing styrene remaining in the reaction mixture in the downstream reaction zone, a chain transfer agent being mixed with the reaction mixture at the commencement of this reaction zone and optionally at one or more additional locations within this reaction zone.

Abstract: A foamed resin molded article that is obtained by kneading and foaming a pellet including one or more fluorine resins and a chemical blowing agent in an extrusion molding process. The pellet is formed by mixing powder of the one or more fluorine resins and powder of the chemical blowing agent without heating and melting, and solidifying and molding. A method of manufacturing a foamed resin molded article includes making pellets including one or more fluorine resins and a chemical blowing agent, and kneading and foaming the pellets in an extrusion molding process.

Abstract: A method comprising injection molding a plastic part from a polymer formulation comprising an injection moldable thermoplastic and an additive, wherein the additive has a decomposition temperature that establishes a maximum processing temperature for the polymer formulation. The additive will thermally decompose to generate gaseous products causing visible bubble formation in the surface of the plastic part in response to exposure to a processing temperature that exceeds the decomposition temperature of the additive. A suitable additive may be, for example, selected from oxalates, carbamic acids, carbonic acids, diazocarbonyl compounds, and combinations thereof.