Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for manufacturing a foamed article, which comprises providing a composition comprising a melt-processable perfluoropolymer and talc, said perfluoropolymer comprising at least 50 percent by weight of said composition and said talc comprising about 2 percent to 3 percent by weight of said composition; wherein said melt-processable perfluoropolymer is selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylent/perfluoromethylvinyl ether copolymer (MFA), hexafluoropropylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (FEP), and perfluroralkoxy (PFA) and any blend thereof. The composition is heated to a processing temperature of at least 600° F. at which talc functions as a foaming agent, thereby causing the foaming of said composition at a foaming rate in a range from 20% to 50% so as to form a foamed article. The talc is the only foaming agent in said composition and the foaming is achieved without gas injection.

Abstract: A first polymer (preferably in granular form) is exposed to a gas at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure to introduce the gas into the polymer. This occurs at a temperature from the glass transition temperature to the melting temperature when the first polymer is crystalline or semi-crystalline in nature, or at a temperature below the glass transition temperature when the first polymer is amorphous in nature. Optionally, the gas-laden polymer may then be mixed with a second polymer. The polymer is then melted to produce a foamed article.

Abstract: A foamable polymeric mixture is provided that includes a polymer composition and at least one blowing agent. The blowing agent may comprise any blowing agents known not to deplete the ozone or increase the prevalence of global warming, such as CO2, HFO, HFC and mixtures thereof. The foamable polymeric mixture may further includes at least one processing aid comprising an organic phase changing material. The inventive foamable mixture is capable of processing at a pressure range of 800 to 1200 psi (5.5 to 8.3 MPa).

Abstract: A microporous membrane is made by a dry-stretch process and has substantially round shaped pores and a ratio of machine direction tensile strength to transverse direction tensile strength in the range of 0.5 to 5.0. The method of making the foregoing microporous membrane includes the steps of: extruding a polymer into a nonporous precursor, and biaxially stretching the nonporous precursor, the biaxial stretching including a machine direction stretching and a transverse direction stretching, the transverse direction stretching including a simultaneous controlled machine direction relax.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foam sheet using cross-linked polylactic acid and method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly a foam sheet using cross-linked polylactic acid and method of manufacturing the same with not only excellent waterproofing and workability but also relatively high foaming ratio and a uniform closed foam cell structure, by producing cross-linked polylactic acid resin in a fixed condition using composites comprising polylactic acid, cross linking agents, and/or co-crosslinking agents, and then forming a sheet shape in a fixed condition using composites comprising the cross-linked polylactic acid and foaming agents, and then foaming at relatively high temperature conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods for producing isocyanate-free synthetic materials, such as plastics, polymers and/or modified polyurethanes, comprising melt extrusion processing of combinations of thermoplastic polyurethane and nanoclays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber-based resin closed-cell foam sheet with its sealing capability being unlikely to be lowered even for a prolonged period of use, and with its excellent waterproofing capability. The inventive rubber-based resin closed-cell foam sheet is characterized in that the foam sheet includes a rubber-based resin containing a nitrile group, and exhibits an excellent adhesion. When used as a waterproof sealing material, the foam sheet can adhere, in a tightly close contact, to the interface of a portion to be sealed. Therefore, the inventive rubber-based resin closed-cell foam sheet can be advantageously used as a waterproof sealing material having high sealing capability and excellent waterproofing capability.

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: Biocomposite compositions and compositions, which include dried distillers solubles, and which can be used in making biocomposite compositions are described. Methods for preparing the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Prepare a polymeric nanofoam using a continuous extrusion process by providing a polymer melt of a polymer composition in an extruder, introducing carbon dioxide to a concentration above the solubility in the polymer melt, cooling the polymer melt without increasing the pressure to achieve conditions where all of the carbon dioxide is soluble in the polymer composition and then extruding the polymer composition and carbon dioxide mixture through an extrusion die so as to experience a pressure drop of at least five MegaPascals at a rate of at least ten MegaPascals per second and allowing the polymer composition to expand into a polymeric nanofoam.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of thermal insulation. In particular, the invention describes superinsulation articles having a desired porosity, reduced pore size and cost-effective methods for manufacturing such articles. In one aspect of the present invention, the article may comprise a material system with at least about 20% porosity. In a further aspect of the invention, an article may comprise greater than about 25% of nanopores having a pore size no greater than about 1500 nanometers in its shortest axis.

Abstract: A foam containing 30 to 95% by weight of a polyolefin-based resin and 5 to 70% by weight of a hydrophilizing agent composed of a cellulose-based powder, the surface of the foam being in a melt fractured state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making polystyrene foam which utilizes one or more atmospheric gases, particularly CO2, as the blowing agent in combination with a polymer processing aid (PPA), typically an ester that is relatively non-volatile at the extrusion temperature range. The blowing agent and the PPA may both be introduced into the molten thermoplastic polystyrene resin or the PPA may be incorporated in the solid source polystyrene resins. The resulting foam will be substantially free of residual blowing agent and dimensionally stable at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making polystyrene foam which utilizes one or more atmospheric gases, particularly CO2, as the blowing agent in combination with a polymer processing aid (PPA), typically an ester that is relatively non-volatile at the extrusion temperature range. The blowing agent and the PPA may both be introduced into the molten thermoplastic polystyrene resin or the PPA may be incorporated in the solid source polystyrene resins. The resulting foam will be substantially free of residual blowing agent and dimensionally stable at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: Biocomposite compositions and compositions, which include dried distillers solubles, and which can be used in making biocomposite compositions are described. Methods for preparing the compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foamed polypropylene composition comprising a propylene homo- and/or copolymer and glass fibres, wherein (i) the composition has a density of 50 to 950 kg/m3, (ii) the tensile modulus tm(extrusion direction) measured according to ISO 527 in extrusion direction and the k-value measured according to ASTM C-518 satisfy the relation: tm(extrusion direction) [MPa]/k [W/mK]?9000 MPa·mK/W, to the use of said composition for the production of an insulating layer and to an article comprising said composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer foam with density in the range from 5 to 120 kg/m3 composed of a polymer component including at least one styrene polymer and from 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of a flame retardant mixture including at least one phosphorus compound of the formula PR1R2R3. A process for producing the polymer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A foamed resin molded article that is obtained by kneading and foaming a pellet including one or more fluorine resins and a chemical foaming 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 foaming 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 foaming agent, and kneading and foaming the pellets in an extrusion molding process.

Abstract: A blowing agent blend for making thermoplastic polymer foams includes methyl formate. The blowing agent blend can further comprise at least one co-blowing agent. The co-blowing agent 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 thermoplastic polymer foam can be an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam, e.g. a polystyrene foam. The blowing agent blend includes methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce dimensionally stable foams that have improved resistance to flame spread. A process for the preparation of such foams is also provided.

Abstract: Biocomposite compositions and compositions, which include dried distillers solubles, and which can be used in making biocomposite compositions are described. Methods for preparing the compositions are also described.

Abstract: A process for making closed-cell, alkenyl aromatic polymer foams using nano-particle nucleation agents to control the cell morphology of the resulting foam includes forming a polymer melt at a temperature above the polymer glass transition temperature (for crystal polymers) or the polymer melt point (for amorphous polymers); incorporating selected nano-particles into the polymer melt; incorporating blowing agents into the polymer melt at an elevated pressure; optionally incorporating other additives, such as flame retardants, into the polymer melt; and extruding the polymer melt under conditions sufficient to produce a foam product having a desired cell morphology, characterized by parameters such as reduced average cell size range and/or increased asymmetry of the cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a polystyrene foam. The polystyrene is dosed with a gas and the polystyrene and gas are mixed in an extruder in order to obtain a homogenous mixture. The homogeneous mixture is cooled as it travels through the extruder and is then extruded from the die at a pressure of less than 7 MPa to form a foam with a smooth skin.

Abstract: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, with increasing the cell orientation and reducing cell anisotropic ratio, as well as the process method for making the products thereof for improving the insulating properties and for reducing the manufacturing cost of the foam products. Alternatively, foam insulating products having increased cell compressive strength may be made by decreasing the cell orientation and increasing the cell anisotropic ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extruded thermoplastic resin foam, particularly relates to a board extruded thermoplastic resin which has low heat conductivity, an excellent heat insulating property over a long period of time, high flame retardancy, and excellent mechanical strength. The extruded thermoplastic resin foam having an apparent density of 20 to 50 kg/m3, a closed cells ratio of 85% or more and a thickness of 10 to 150 mm, and containing a non-halogen organic physical blowing agent, wherein the thermoplastic resin composing the extruded foam contains a mixture of 100 parts by weight of a polystyrene resin (A) and 5 to 150 parts by weight of a polyester resin (B), and an endothermic calorific value of the polyester resin (B) less than 5 J/g (including 0) for fusion of the polyester resin on a DSC curve obtained by heat flux differential scanning calorimetry based on JIS K7122 (1987).

Abstract: Provided are methods for making textured implantable materials made from two part RTV silicone foams and having a desired color or tone without the need for dyes or colorants.

Abstract: A method for producing an extruded heat-insulating foam board having a thickness of 10 to 150 mm, an apparent density of 20 to 50 kg/m3 and a closed cell content of at least 80% by extrusion foaming of a foamable resin melt containing a base resin composed primarily of a polystyrene resin, a physical blowing agent and a flame retardant, wherein 3 to 50 mol % of a hydrofluoroolefin, 30 to 70 mol % of a saturated hydrocarbon having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, and 5 to 50 mol % of water and/or carbon dioxide (where the sum of the contents of the hydrofluoroolefin, saturated hydrocarbon having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, water and/or carbon dioxide is 100 mol %) are used as the physical blowing agent. The extruded polystyrene resin heat-insulating foam board is produced with good extrusion foamability and moldability and has a high expansion ratio, a large thickness, excellent long-term heat-insulating properties and flame retardancy, and good appearance.

Abstract: This disclosure provides (meth)acryloyl pressure-sensitive adhesive foams and foam articles having one or more of the following properties: small cells, uniform cell sizes, pressure sensitive adhesive compositions, compliance to irregular substrates and vibration damping, and shock absorbing properties.

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: An object of the present invention is to inexpensively provide a method and device of producing a high viscosity polylactic acid composition, which composition is appropriate for foam molding having a high expansion ratio and is stable, and a foam molded article having a high expansion ratio formed of said high viscosity polylactic acid composition. A method of producing a polylactic acid foam molded article of the present invention which can achieve the above-described object is characterized by comprising a step of mechanically grinding a polylactic acid composition by applying a shear force, using a device equipped with an injection molding machine (B) or an extrusion molding machine (G), an orifice portion (S) and a foaming mold (P), in a foaming gas atmosphere in the orifice portion (S).

Abstract: Foam products are provided including starch in combination with a small amount of a superabsorbent polymer. Also provided are expandable compositions (e.g., foam precursors) and methods of making a foam product in which a small quantity of a superabsorbent polymer is present.

Abstract: Prepare an extruded polymeric foam by extruding a foamable polymer composition through a foaming die and allowing the foamable polymer composition to expand into a polymer foam as it travels through and is constrained in its thickness dimension by at least two constraining sections, the first having opposing essentially parallel forming plates and the second constraining section having forming plates spaced further apart than the first constraining section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foam ply based on a biodegradable polyester mixture, comprising i) from 70 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, of at least one polyester based on aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and on aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, and ii) from 30 to 95% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, of poly-lactide, and iii) from 0.1 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, of a copolymer which comprises epoxy groups and is based on styrene, acrylates, and/or methacrylates, and iv) from 0.5 to 15% by weight of additives; and v) from 0 to 50% by weight of inorganic or organic filler, and also to processes for production of the foam ply mentioned, and to the use of the foam plies for the production of moldings and foils, and also to moldings and foils comprising the foam plies mentioned.

Abstract: An ester of a sugar and a brominated fatty acid is a useful FR additive for combustible polymers. The brominated FR additives unexpectedly are stable at the extrusion temperatures, and provide excellent flame retardancy to the combustible polymers.

Abstract: A foamable polymeric composition can comprise a polymer, a blowing agent cage material, and a blowing agent. The blowing agent cage material is selected from the group consisting of zeolite imidazolate framework, metal organic framework, carbon cage structure, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. In one embodiment, the composition can be formed by mixing the polymer with the blowing agent cage material to form a mixture, introducing a blowing agent to the mixture, and forming the mixture into pellets.

Abstract: A foamable fluoropolymer composition containing foam cell nucleating agent is provided, wherein the fluoropolymer comprises melt-fabricable tetrafluoroethylene-/hexafluoropropylene copolymer and tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, wherein the alkyl contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms, wherein the melting temperature of said tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer is no more than 35° C. greater than the melting temperature of said tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer, and/or wherein said tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer and said tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer each have a melt flow rate (MFR) within the range of 1 to 40 g/10 min and the MFR of one of said copolymers is at least twice that of the other of said copolymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to automotive weatherstrip material. More specifically, the invention utilizes thermo-expandable microspheres in the sponge bulb member of the weatherstrip to produce a microcellular structure which provides a lower weight weatherstrip material with improved surface appearance and comparable stiffness to known materials for use in the automotive industry, and exhibiting a blown specific gravity of less than about 0.60 g/cc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcellular foam of a thermoplastic resin and a method for preparing the same, and more particularly to a microcellular foam comprising a skin layer having a porosity of below 5% and a core layer having a porosity of at least 5%, wherein the thickness of the skin layer accounts for 5 to 50% of the entire foam, and a method for preparing the same. The microcellular foam of the present invention is advantageous in that it has a thicker skin layer and smaller and uniform micropores in the core layer, compared with conventional microcellular foams, while having mechanical properties comparable to those of conventional non-foamed sheets.

Abstract: An extrusion expansion of low molecular weight polyalkylene terephthalates having an IV of below 1.0 dl/g to produce gas-charged beads is disclosed. The process includes an extrusion expanding of the resins and an underwater pelletizing of the melt threads. The obtained beads show a composite structure and are characterized by an IV of 0.69 dl/g or more and a melt viscosity ?0 of higher than 300 Pa·s.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer composition containing i) styrene polymer(s) and ii) phosphorylated polyether(s) with from 0.5 to 40% by weight phosphorus content, the main chain of which is formed exclusively from carbon atoms and from oxygen atoms, and which has at least three terminal and/or pendant OH groups, where these have been substituted with where ˜ indicates the bond to the polymer skeleton of the polyether; Y is O or S; t is 0 or 1; R1 and R2, being identical or different, are H, C1-C18-alkyl, C2-C18-alkenyl, C2-C18-alkynyl, C3-C10-cycloalkyl, C6-C10-aryl, furyl, C6-C10-aryl-C1-C10-alkyl, OR3, SR3, NR3R4, COR3, COOR3 or CONR3R4, or R1 and R2 form, together with the phosphorus atom P, a 4-8-membered ring system; R3 and R4, being identical or different, are H, C1-C16-alkyl, C2-C16-alkenyl, C3C16-alkynyl, C3-C10-cycloalkyl, C6-C10-aryl or C6-C10-aryl-C1-C10-alkyl, and/or polycarbonates containing phosphorus-containing group(s) of the general formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a foamable composition. The foamable composition includes a partially-crystalline melt processible perfluoropolymer and a foam nucleating package. The foamable composition has a uniform foam cell size where the foam cell size of at least 90% of the foamed cells is 50 micrometers or less. The foam nucleating package ranges from 0.1 to 10 wt % of the combined weight of the perfluoropolymer and the foam nucleating package.

Abstract: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, an additive blend of polyethylene oxide and a copolymer of polystyrene and maleic anhydride, and optionally, an infrared attenuating agent, are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the polyethylene oxide is ethoxylated polyethylene oxide. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the blowing agent includes at least one hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent. The blend of ethoxylated polyethylene oxide and copolymer of polystyrene and maleic anhydride provides a water vapor permeability of 1.1 perm inch or greater in the extruded foam product and increases the average cell size of the foam product without detrimentally affecting physical or thermal properties of the product. Additionally, the additive acts as a cell enlarger, a water vapor permeability enhancer, a plasticizer, and a processing aid. A method of forming an extruded foam product is also provided.

Abstract: Extruded polymer foams are prepared using brominated fatty acids, an ester, amide or ester-amide of a brominated fatty acid, a glyceride of one or more brominated fatty acids, or a polymerized brominated fatty acid as an FR additive. The brominated FR additives unexpectedly are stable at the extrusion temperatures, and provide excellent flame retardancy to the foams.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention are a microporous polyethylene film and a method of manufacture thereof. The polyethylene microporous film manufactured according to the present invention may contribute to an increased productivity of stable products as its extrusion and stretching may be done readily. And thus manufactured product may be used for battery separators and various filters owing to its high gas permeability, superior puncture strength, and small ratio of shrinkage.

Abstract: Prepare a polymeric foam from a foamable polymer composition containing a thermoplastic polymer composition and a blowing agent wherein 75 percent or more by weight of all non-halogenated polymers in the foamable polymer composition is a styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer composition having a polymerized acrylonitrile content distribution with a positive skew in a copolymerized AN content distribution and a positive percent difference between the mean and the median copolymerized AN content distribution.

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: A blowing agent blend for making thermoplastic polymer foams includes methyl formate. The blowing agent blend can further comprise at least one co-blowing agent. The co-blowing agent 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 thermoplastic polymer foam can be an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam, e.g. a polystyrene foam. The blowing agent blend includes methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce dimensionally stable foams that have improved resistance to flame spread. A process for the preparation of such foams is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a microporous film which is made of a thermoplastic resin composition comprising (a) 100 parts by mass of a polypropylene resin and (b) 5 to 90 parts by mass of a polyphenylene ether resin, and which has a sea island structure comprising a sea portion comprising the polypropylene resin as a principal component and an island portion comprising the polyphenylene ether resin as a principal component, wherein pores are formed at an interface between the sea portion and the island portion and within the sea portion.

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: 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: The present invention relates generally to the use of talc as a chemical foaming agent in perfluoropolymers to form foamable and foamed compositions. For example, in one aspect, a foamable composition is disclosed, which comprises (i) one or more base perfluoropolymers comprising at least 50 percent by weight of the composition, and (ii) talc blended with the one or more base perfluoropolymers, where the talc comprises 3 percent to about 15 percent by weight of the composition. Each of the perfluoropolymers is selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoromethylvinyl ether copolymer (MFA), hexafluoropropylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (FEP) and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) and any blend thereof, where hydrogen-containing fluoropolymers are absent from the composition. The one or more base perfluoropolymers are melt-processable at one or more elevated processing temperatures of at least about 600° F.