Abstract: A foamable, electroconductive polyolefinic resin composition comprising 70 to 95 weight percent of a polyolefinic resin and 5 to 30 weight percent of an electrically-conductive particulate furnace black having a specific surface area of at least 900 square meters per gram. Foam products prepared from this composition, preferably by extrusion foaming, are particularly useful for packaging sensitive electronic parts.

Abstract: Styrenic foams are prepared with water as a blowing agent component and polyhydric alcohol as a corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A process for preparing a poly(p-methylstyrene) polymer foam including extruding a poly(p-methylstyrene) foam structure from a melt at a temperature which will yield an open cell percentage less than that formed in general purpose polystyrene foamed under the same general conditions. It also includes performing the extrusion from a melt at a rate which will yield a foam structure at least comparable to that of general purpose polystyrene foam, wherein the extrusion rate is greater than the extrusion rate for said polystyrene foam.

Abstract: Access to a space is impeded by generation of a sticky foam from a silicone polymer and a low boiling solvent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon. In a preferred aspect, the formulation is polydimethylsiloxane gel mixed with F502 Freon as a solvent and blowing agent, and pressurized with CO.sub.2 in a vessel to about 250 PSI, whereby when the vessel is opened, a sticky and solvent resistant foam is deployed. The foam is deployable, over a wide range of temperatures, adhering to wet surfaces as well as dry, is stable over long periods of time and does not propagate flame or lose adhesive properties during an externally supported burn.

Abstract: Microcellular foam materials having void fractions of about 5 to 30 percent and uniform void sizes on the order of 2 to 25 microns are produced by pre-saturating the material to be processed with a uniform concentration of a gas while controlling temperature and pressure to avoid cell nucleation. Processing is also done under pressure to avoid nucleation. After processing, pressure is released and cell nucleation occurs at or near the glass transition temperature of the material; it is then cooled quickly to preserve the microcellular structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for extruding thermoplastic resinous compositions, comprising the steps of heat plastifying the resinous composition in an extruder; cooling the heat plastified resinous composition exiting from the extruder to a uniform temperature desired for extrusion through an extrusion die, including conveying the resinous composition through at least one enclosed flow path in a cooling device, circulating a cooling medium about the entire circumference of each of the resin flow paths and controlling by the means of orifices the flow of thermoplastic at the inlet and the outlet of the cooling device across substantially the entire cross-section of each of the resin flow paths; and, extruding the cooled thermoplastic resinous composition through an extrusion die downstream of the cooling device.

Abstract: A continuous process for making rigid PVC foam objects by extruding a preform from an initial PVC mixture, optionally cutting the preform into blanks, and expanding the preform or the blanks in water heated to a temperature above 70.degree. C. The initial mixture contains polyvinyl chloride, at least a first blowing agent capable of generating a gas, for example an isocyanate or a polyisocyanate, and at least one organic anhydride (and does not contain any added inert particles finely divided therein). The initial mixture may also contain less than one weight percent of a second blowing agent, for example azobisisobutyronitrile or azodicarbonamide. The objects produced possess heat- and sound-insulating properties.

Abstract: A plastic tray for packaging food products is disclosed. The tray has a preferred composition of about 85 percent polypropylene, 15 percent impact modifier or copolymer, 1 percent nucleating agent, and 1 percent density reduction agents.A method of manufacturing a plastic tray of packaging food products is disclosed. The method includes the steps of mixing the polypropylene, impact modifier, nucleating agent and density reduction agents together, heating the mixture at 450.degree. F. to 550.degree. F. under a pressure of about 300 p.s.i., injecting the heated mixture into a mold, and cooling the mixture.

Abstract: There are provided methods for making heat-resistant, foamed, crystalline plastic materials. For example, polyethylene terephthalate may be foamed with a polycarbonate, extruded into a foamed sheet and this foamed sheet may be thermoformed by being subjected to crystallization annealing. The thermoformed, foamed, crystalline plastic sheets prepared by this process are particularly useful for forming light weight, ovenable food containers.

Abstract: There are provided heat-resistant, foamed, crystalline polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate foamed with a polycarbonate and subjected to crystallization annealing, which are particularly useful for forming light weight, ovenable food containers.

Abstract: A method for producing cross-linked polyethylene resin foams which comprises mixing a polyolefin resin, a blowing agent and, optionally, a surface active agent containing hydroxyl groups or an acid amide compound under pressure, said polyolefin resin containing a cross-linkable ethylene polymer having on the side chains thereof silyl groups which effect cross-linking upon contact with water; extruding the mixture into a low pressure zone where the extrudate is allowed to expand; and bringing the expanded extrudate into contact with a silanol condensing catalyst so that the expanded extrudate is cross-linked on contact with water.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method for the preparation of a foamed body of a vinyl chloride-based resin composition having a very fine and uniform cellular structure in a continuous process with outstandingly low costs. The method utilizes a binary volatilizable blowing agent composed of (i) a first volatilizable organic compound which is a halogenated or unhalogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon boiling at 90.degree. C. or below and (ii) a second volatilizable organic compound selected from halogenated or unhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers, ketones and esters having a specified solubility parameter in consideration of the compatibility with the vinyl chloride-based resin.

Abstract: High quality plastic foam and the like expanded products and articles are made by incorporating a blowing agent in an acid-containing alkenyl aromatic polymer, such as a copolymer of styrene and acrylic acid; extruding while cross-linking the polymer with a polyfunctional cross-linking agent.

Abstract: An improved foamable vinyl aromatic polymer composition and a process for preparing a vinyl aromatic polymer foam having incorporated therein a blend of alpha-olefin polymers are disclosed. The blend of alpha-olefin polymers may be virgin material or a portion of recycle feedstream, the recycle feedstream being prepared from adhesive film faced extruded vinyl aromatic foam laminate scrap. Foam materials having improved solvent resistance, ultraviolet light stability, and adhesive characteristics are prepared from the composition and process.

Abstract: In a method of producing a plate-like polystyrene resin foam which comprises extruding a molten mixture of a polystyrene resin and a volatile blowing agent from an extruder into a zone kept at a lower pressure than the inside of the extruder, the improvement wherein the volatile blowing agent is a mixture consisting of 50 to 80% by weight of dichlorodifluoromethane and 50 to 20% by weight of ethyl chloride and is present in said molten mixture in a proportion of 8 to 17 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polystyrene resin.

Abstract: Fine-celled foams are produced by a process in which a styrene polymer is melted, the melt is mixed with a volatile blowing agent and a nucleating agent under superatmospheric pressure, the mixture is let down to atmospheric pressure, and the foam is cooled. The nucleating agent employed comprises from 0.02 to 2% by weight of the calcium salt of a long-chain fatty acid, and from 0.01 to 1% by weight of a finely divided, inorganic substance which is insoluble in the styrene polymer, a mixture of calcium stearate and magnesium oxide being preferred.

Abstract: A crosslinked foam having an expansion ratio of 25 to 60 which comprises a composition containing 100 parts by weight of a resin component consisting of an ethylenevinyl acetate copolymer or a mixture thereof with a thermoplastic resin and 50 to 500 parts by weight of an inorganic powder material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for producing cross-linked polypropylene by subjecting a homogenous mixture of a polypropylene with from about 2 to about 20 weight percent, based upon the weight of the polypropylene, of polybutadiene with a molecular weight of from about 500 to about 10,000 to conditions sufficient to effect cross-linking, for example, through the use of cross-linking agents and/or irradiation. In addition, the process disclosed herein may be utilized to produce cross-linked and foamed polypropylenes.

Abstract: Mechanically stable styrene polymer foams having highly desirable physical properties are prepared employing as a blowing agent a mixture of lower alcohols with chlorofluoromethanes.

Abstract: New rigid polyvinyl chloride foam having a density of less than 200 kg/m.sup.3 and having a uniform, fine-celled cell-structure consisting of a rigid vinyl chloride homopolymer containing per 100 parts by weight of polyvinyl chloride 0.1-15 parts by weight of a homo- or copolymer of an alkyl methacrylate having an alkylgroup of 1-10 carbon atoms having a viscosity of the solution .eta..sub.0.1 of between 1.times.10.sup.-6 and 4.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2 /s measured at 293 K in 1,2 dichloro ethylene and a method for the preparation of such a new rigid polyvinyl chloride foam.

Abstract: Electroconductive olefin polymer foams which are suitable for use as packaging/cushioning materials for sensitive electronic parts are prepared from olefin polymer compositions which comprise a major proportion by weight of an olefin polymer, from 5 to 30 weight percent, based on said olefin polymer, of an electroconductive carbon black and from 0.1 to 10 weight percent, based on said olefin polymer of a saturated fatty acid amide compound.

Abstract: New rigid polyvinyl chloride foam having a density of between 10 and 50 kg/m.sup.3 and having a uniform, fine-celled cell-structure consisting of a rigid vinyl chloride homopolymer containing per 100 parts by weight of polyvinyl chloride 0.1-15 parts by weight of a homo- or copolymer of an alkyl methacrylate having an alkyl group of 1-10 carbon atoms and a method for the preparation of such a rigid polyvinyl chloride foam.

Abstract: Moulding composition comprising a vinylidene fluoride polymer and a blowing agent which is a hydroxycarboxylic acid or an alkali metal salt derived from one of the acids.

Abstract: The invention provides a flame retardant thermally insulating material which comprises cellular polymer particles and fly ash bound into a coherent mass by a dried synthetic polymer latex binder, and a process for providing between at least two spaced-apart surfaces a flame retardant thermal insulation in the form of such a material. The process has particularly useful application in the field of roof insulation in sloping roofs having spaced-apart outer and inner layers.

Abstract: Pressure vessels are disclosed for containing a foamable mixture of liquid and a blowing agent for incrementally or continuously dispensing a foam of constant foam-volume ratio. Liquid compositions having coating or polymeric solids are capable of being foamed and dispensed with the apparatus. The method and apparatus are especially advantageous in dispensing foamed coatings, paints or adhesives with superior control.

Abstract: Synthetic polymer-propellant compositions are provided that are capable of forming foamed structures having a temperature at least 30.degree. C. below ambient temperature and containing open and/or closed cells, which may optionally contain a material which is deposited in the pores and/or walls of the structure as the structure is formed, and comprising:(a) a film-forming synthetic polymer is an amount within the range from about 2% to about 30% by weight of the composition;(b) at least one liquefied propellant boiling below -10.degree.

Abstract: Mechanically stable styrene polymer foams having highly desirable physical properties are prepared employing as a blowing agent a mixture of lower alcohols with chlorofluoromethanes.

Abstract: Compositions comprising propylene polymer, e.g., polypropylene, and hydrated alumina as filler precursor and sole blowing agent, wherein the alumina can be 30 to 60 weight percent of the total composition, are converted into foam having a fine and uniform cellular structure by passage through an unvented extruder at specified temperature profiles and pressures.

Abstract: An improvement in a process for the production of polyurethane foam is disclosed, in which a first component is admixed and reacted with a second component and in which the first component has a viscosity at least two times the viscosity of the second component, thereby resulting in a nonuniform distribution of the cells of the foam. The improvement comprises admixing the second component with 1-5%, by weight, of the second component, of fumed silica prior to admixing the first and second components. The amount of fumed silica is controlled so that the polyurethane foam subsequently obtained has a substantially uniform distribution of cells. A process for the production of a foamed thermoplastic structure is also disclosed in which at least part of the normally liquid chlorofluorocarbon blowing agent is added as a composition comprising an admixture of 5-99%, by weight, of fumed silica and 1-95%, by weight, of a normally liquid chlorofluorocarbon adsorbed thereon.

Abstract: Alkali metal borohydride concentrates are prepared by dry blending alkali metal borohydride powder with a dry non-reactive plastic resin, melting and extruding the blended mixture to form an encapsulated alkali metal borohydride concentrate, and then chopping the extrusion into pellets. The pellet concentrate may then be blended into other materials.

Abstract: Alkali metal borohydride concentrates are prepared by dry blending alkali metal borohydride power with a dry non-reactive plastic resin, melting and extruding the blended mixture to form an encapsulated alkali metal borohydride concentrate, and then chopping the extrusion into pellets. The pellet concentrate may then be blended into other materials.

Abstract: A process of producing a fibre-reinforced shaped article comprising extruding a composition comprising a settable fluid as a carrier for fibres at least 5 mm in length through a die so that relaxation of the fibres causes the extrudate to expand to form an open fibrous structure with randomly dispersed fibres as the extrudate leaves the die characterized in that the porous extrudate is compressed while the carrier is in a fluid condition into a shaped article. The process enables moulded articles to be formed having a random distribution of fibres the majority of which are at least 5 mm long.

Abstract: Alkali metal borohydride concentrates are prepared by dry blending alkali metal borohydride powder with a dry non-reactive plastic resin, melting and extruding the blended mixture to form an encapsulated alkali metal borohydride concentrate, and then chopping the extrusion into pellets. The pellet concentrate may then be blended into other materials.

Abstract: Elevated temperature distortion characteristics of freshly prepared olefin polymer foams are substantially improved by employing in the preparation thereof a small amount (e.g., from about 0.15 to about 10 weight percent based on the olefin polymer) of certain selected N-substituted fatty acid amide compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents an alkyl group of from 11 to 17 carbon atoms and R.sub.2 represents an alkyl group of from 12 to 18 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A foam composition comprising an ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, a blowing agent and a nucleating agent. The nucleating agent is the carbonate or oxide of a metal cation from the group of metals consisting of magnesium, calcium, barium, zinc and lead. The invention also is a method of making the above foam copolymer composition.

Abstract: Alkali metal borohydride concentrates are prepared by dry blending alkali metal borohydride powder with a dry non-reactive plastic resin, melting and extruding the blended mixture to form an encapsulated alkali metal borohydride concentrate, and then chopping the extrusion into pellets. The pellet concentrate may then be blended into other materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are low density foam planks of ethylenic polymers, which planks have a density of from about 0.8 to about 1.6 pounds per cubic foot, dimensional stability, substantially closed-cell structure, a cross-sectional area of at least six square inches and a minimum cross-sectional dimension of at least 0.5 inch. Such foam planks are made from polyethylene resins (e.g., low density polyethylene) by release to lower pressure of a flowable, foamable gel under pressure, e.g., by extrusion foaming, wherein the gel comprises at least one polyethylene resin and at least one volatile blowing agent. The process of making such foam planks is particularly characterized by the improvement wherein the flowable gel is mixed sufficiently to disperse the blowing agent in the gel to an amount from about 13.5 to 35.times.10.sup.4 moles per gram of the ethylenic polymer and such process is especially beneficial in that it enables the preparation of substantially closed-cell polyethylene foams having densities of from 0.

Abstract: Extruded styrenic polymer foams having improved flammability characteristics are obtained when using volatile fluid blowing agents by incorporating therein a small amount (e.g., from about 0.03 to about 2 weight percent based on polymer) of a waxy material in conjunction with at least one conventional non-waxy halogenated flame retarding agent.

Abstract: A deformable and durable polyurethane foam molding is made from the reaction product of a polyether polyol component and a polyisocyanate component. The polyether polyol component is a polyether having at least two hydroxyl groups, a molecular weight of from 400 to 10,000 and at least 10 wt. % hydroxyl groups which are primary hydroxyl groups. The polyisocyanate component is a mixture of from 60-90 wt. % 4,4'-diphenyl methane diisocyanate and from 3-30 wt. % 2,4'-diphenyl methane diisocyanate. Such reaction mixture is prepared in each of at least two mixing heads. The index of reaction mixture is different from that in the other mixing head. The mixture is then introduced into associated zones of a mold cavity where the mixture is allowed to foam. The molding is subsequently removed from the mold cavity. These polyurethane foam moldings are particularly useful in making seat cushions.

Abstract: An insulating composition comprising in combination a liquid binder, a heat expanded polystyrene material in bead or granular form and a reinforcing pigment, said liquid binder comprising a 95.5 to 50:50 mixture, by weight of an acrylic or vinyl polymer emulsion and an alkali metal silicate, said expanded polystyrene being present in an amount ranging from 5 to 25 percent by weight of said composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are low density foam planks of ethylenic polymers, which planks have a density of from about 0.8 to about 1.6 pounds per cubic foot, dimensional stability, substantially closed-cell structure, a cross-sectional area of at least six square inches and a minimum cross-sectional dimension of at least 0.5 inch. Such foam planks are made from polyethylene resins (e.g., low density polyethylene) by release to lower pressure of a flowable, foamable gel under pressure, e.g., by extrusion foaming, wherein the gel comprises at least one polyethylene resin and at least one volatile blowing agent. The process of making such foam planks is particularly characterized by the improvement wherein the flowable gel is mixed sufficiently to disperse the blowing agent in the gel to an amount from about 13.5 to 35+10.sup.-4 moles per gram of the ethylenic polymer and such process is especially beneficial in that it enables the preparation of substantially closed-cell polyethylene foams having densities of from 0.

Abstract: Substantially closed-cell aliphatic olefin polymer foams having improved dimensional stability are provided by the inclusion therein of from 0.1 to 10 weight percent, based upon the olefin polymer, of certain naphthyl amine compounds.

Abstract: Elevated temperature distortion characteristics of freshly prepared olefin polymer foams are substantially improved by employing in the preparation thereof a small amount (e.g., from about 0.15 to about 10 weight percent based on the olefin polymer) of certain selected N-substituted fatty acid amide compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents an alkyl group of from 11 to 17 carbon atoms and R.sub.2 represents an alkyl group of from 12 to 18 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Composition of matter that can be foamed to form an expanded product having density of less than 20 lbs/ft.sup.3 and containing a preponderance of the cells in the size range of less than 500 microns comprising a mixture of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, 5 to 50 parts by weight of the chlorofluoroalkane of 1 to 2 carbon atoms as a primary blowing agent and 0.01 to 2 parts by weight of azodicarbonamide that is dispersed through the resin and forms cell nuclei from which expanded cells are created, all based on 100 parts by weight of the resin.

Abstract: Improved polymeric foams are obtained by the introduction of a beneficial additive to the system by dissolving said additive into a liquid foaming agent which is a solvent therefor, combining the solution with the polymer and extruding the polymer in foamed form.

Abstract: A foamed low density polyethylyne sheet material is provided which finds utility in the fabrication of carriers for attachment to cylindrical containers. The sheet material is formed from a composition comprising low density polyethelyne polymer, a blowing agent mixture, and mineral oil, on commercially available extrusion equipment, and in proportions sufficient to obtain a 10-20 percent reduction in weight without a corresponding reduction of specific properties.

Abstract: Substantially closed-cell aliphatic olefin polymer foams having improved dimensional stability are provided by the inclusion therein of from 0.1 to 10 weight percent, based upon the olefin polymer, of certain higher aliphatic hydrocarbyl ether, ester or anhydride compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-extinguishing polystyrenic composition comprising a polystyrenic resin, a fire-retardant amount of a halogenated organic fire-retardant agent and a nitrogen-containing organic compound selected from the group consisting of amines, amides and ammonium compounds containing from 20 to 40 carbon atoms and their mixtures, said nitrogen-containing compound being used in an amount varying between 0.5 and 50% based on the weight of fire-retardant agent.

Abstract: This application is directed to light-weight and hard foam materials. The foams of this invention are prepared by extruding thermoplastic crystalline plastics in the presence of highly volatile organic liquids as the foaming agents. In accordance with the present method crystalline polyolefins, in the presence of polybutadiene, ethylenevinylacetate copolymers, ethylene-propylenes and/or ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubbers, and optionally radical formers such as suitable peroxides, azidene, sulfonyl azidene or the like, and inhibitors for radical decomposition, such as triallylcyanurate or an acrylate selected from the group consisting of trimethylolpropane-trimethacrylate, allyl-methacrylate, tetrahydrofurfurylmethacrylate, triethyleneglycol-dimethacrylate, polyethyleneglycol-dimethacrylate or the like, are converted into foam-like molded bodies by means of a highly volatile organic liquid foaming agent.

Abstract: A thermoplastic synthetic resin such as polyethylene or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin containing 0.1 to 10 wt. % of a specific additive selected from specific classes of compounds, namely saturated higher fatty acid amides, saturated higher aliphatic amines and complete esters of saturated higher fatty acids is found to be very suitable for production of expanded articles and can be easily formed into expanded articles with little shrinkage after expansion, free from creases on the surface or cracks on the cell walls, and having excellent characteristics such as good closed cellular characteristic, high compressive strength, low density, etc.