Abstract: A process additive for polyolefin films and foams produces products having reduced aging time and reduced greasiness and reduced grease-like transfer as compared to glycerol monostearate (GMS). Carbon dioxide based blowing agents are suitable. The process additive comprises a fatty acid N-aliphatic alcohol amide of the general formula R—CON(R′)R″. R is a fatty hydrocarbon radical having from about 8 to 30 carbons. R′ typically is hydrogen. R′ can also be an alkyl radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons or an alkyl alcohol radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons. R″ is an alkyl alcohol fragment of from about 1 to 6 carbons. The alkyl alcohol fragments can be monohydric or polyhydric. Secondary fatty monoalkanolamides in which R′ is hydrogen are particularly useful, especially stearamide monoethanolamine (MEA).

Abstract: A polymeric foam article is comprised mainly of homopolymeric polypropylene, or unimodal polypropylene. The polymeric article can be microcellular, and can be formed into a drinking straw.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions based on elastomeric polymers of vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropene and optionally tetrafluoroethylene suitable for providing microcellular foamed vulcanized articles by extrusion or compression molding. In the case of the production of extruded articles based on vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropene copolymers, the compositions comprise: the copolymer, bisphenol AF, a quaternary phosphonium or aminophosphonium salt, azodicarbonamide, MgO, Ca(OH)2, zinc stearate and a plasticizer, each of the components being contained in an exactly defined proportion.

Abstract: A soft foam having an Asker C hardness of less than about 65, comprising; (A) from about 30 to about 70 percent by weight (based on the combined weight of Components A and B) of one or more alkenyl aromatic polymers and wherein at least one of said alkenyl aromatic polymers has a molecular weight (Mw) of from about 100,000 to about 500,000; and (B) from about 30 to about 70 percent by weight (based on the combined weight of Components A and B) of one or more substantially random interpolymers having an I2 of about 0.1 to about 50 g/10 min, an Mw/Mn of about 1.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus combinations and methods for producing a powder coating are provided wherein a stream of a powder coating precursor including at least one resin and at least one additional powder coating ingredient is contacted with a process fluid effective to reduce the viscosity of the powder coating precursor to allow processing of the powder coating precursor at a lower temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, dimensionally stable, closed cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam. The foam comprises an alkenyl aromatic polymer material greater than 50 percent by weight of alkenyl aromatic monomeric units. The foam has a density of about 16 to about 64 kilograms per cubic meter. The foam has a thickness in cross section of 15 millimeters or more. The foam has a blowing agent composition comprising a primary blowing agent of about 70 to about 95 weight percent 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and a secondary blowing agent comprising about 30 to about 5 weight percent based upon the total moles of the blowing agent composition. The secondary blowing agent being selected from the group consisting essentially of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, and water. Further disclosed is a process for making the foam.

Abstract: PVC foam blown with a physical blowing agent comprising a gaseous HFC is provided.

Abstract: Polyolefin foam materials of high dimensional stability at elevated temperatures are produced from modified polypropylenes and unmodified polypropylenes. The modified polypropylenes used are produced by mixing polypropylene particles with thermally decomposing free radical-forming agents, absorbing readily volatile bifunctional monomers and heating and melting the mixture. Areas of application for the polyolefin foam materials of high dimensional stability at elevated temperatures are the packaging sector, motor vehicle parts, sports and leisure equipment, industrial applications, as well as applications in the building sector.

Abstract: The present invention discloses, inter alia, a composition useful for producing a homogeneous, semipermeable membrane, the composition comprising (1) a polysulfone compound, (2) a solvent, such as sulfolane, antypyrine, &dgr;-valerolactam, diethyl phthalate, and mixtures thereof, and (3) a non-solvent, such as poly(ethylene glycol), di(ethylene glycol), tri(ethylene glycol), glycerol, and mixtures thereof. Another aspect of this invention discloses methods for fabricating semipermeable membranes by homogeneously mixing the composition of the polysulfone compound, solvent, and non-solvent, melting the composition, and melt-spinning the molten composition. Another aspect of the present invention includes homogeneous, melt-spun, semipermeable membranes useful for liquid separation processes, such as, but not limited to, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, dialysis, and reverse osmosis.

Abstract: A flexible, low density thermoplastic foam and a method for lowering the density and increasing the flexibility of a thermoplastic foam having a melting temperature and being either amorphous with a softening temperature or semicrystalline with a glass transition temperature.

Abstract: An acoustical insulation foam having, either with or without elastification, an Asker C hardness of less than about 65, a density of about 5 to about 150 kg/m3, a cell size of about 0.05 to about 15 mm, an open cell content of 0 to about 100 volume percent, a thickness of about 1 to about 200 mm, and a width of about 100 to about 3000 mm; comprising; (A) one or more alkenyl aromatic polymers, (B) one or more substantially random interpolymers and (C) optionally, one or more nucleating agents and (D) optionally, one or more other additives; and (E) one or more blowing agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a foamed article having a foam density of less than 180 kg/m3 and an average cell diameter of less than 1.5 mm comprising the extrusion of a molten semi-crystalline thermoplastic resin composition in the presence of a foaming agent, with the semi-crystalline thermoplastic resin composition comprising a polymeric epoxide containing at least two epoxide groups being a copolymer of a monomer mixture comprising at least one C10 to C18-olefin and at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound comprising an epoxide group. The process results in the preparation of foamed articles having a regular and homogeneous structure. Another advantage of the present invention is that it is not necessary anymore to add a compound of Group Ia, IIa, or IIIa of the Periodic Table, such as LiCl, to the extrusion process.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a foam product involving the steps of (A) forming a foamable mixture of (1) a polymer comprising about 10% to about 90% monomers of at least one of meta-substituted styrene and para-substituted styrene and 0% to about 90% monomers of styrene, and (2) a blowing agent containing a major amount of carbon dioxide under a pressure sufficient to prevent prefoaming of the mixture and (B) foaming the mixture into a region of reduced pressure to form the foam product.

Abstract: An open-cell polystyrene foam is provided which is formed from a blend of polystyrene and an ethylene-styrene interpolymer. The ethylene-styrene interpolymer functions as a cell opening agent, and is used to control the open cell content of the resulting foam, which may contain greater than 80 percent open cells. The foam is produced by an extrusion process in which carbon dioxide is used as the preferred blowing agent. The resulting foams may be formed into beads, plank, round, sheets, etc.

Abstract: Semi-crystalline microcellular foams that include a midlevel amount of nucleating agent, and methods of their production, are provided. The microcellular foams can be produced in typical polymer processing techniques such as extrusion, injection molding and blow molding. The foams exhibit excellent mechanical properties and can be formed over a broad range of density into a number of different foam articles.

Abstract: The melt of polyvinyl aromatic polymers comprising from 10 to 45 weight % of star branched polymer prepared using a combination of thermal and tetra functional peroxide initiation has an improved melt strength permitting better foam formation for extrusion foam blown with conventional blowing agents and inert gases including CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A process additive for polyolefin films and foams produces products having reduced aging time and reduced greasiness and reduced grease-like transfer as compared to glycerol monostearate (GMS). Carbon dioxide based blowing agents are suitable. The process additive comprises a fatty acid N-aliphatic alcohol amide of the general formula R-CON(R')R". R is a fatty hydrocarbon radical having from about 8 to 30 carbons. R' typically is hydrogen. R' can also be an alkyl radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons or an alkyl alcohol radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons. R" is an alkyl alcohol fragment of from about 1 to 6 carbons. The alkyl alcohol fragments can be monohydric or polyhydric. Secondary fatty monoalkanolamides in which R' is hydrogen are particularly useful, especially stearamide monoethanolamine (MEA). The benefits of the invention can be achieved and enhanced in some examples by mixing the fatty acid N-aliphatic alcohol amide with an ester of a long chain fatty acid with a polyhydric alcohol, including GMS.

Abstract: A polyolefinic resin is combined with a (meth)acrylic polyfunctional monomer compound having an aromatic ring, an alicyclic ring or a heterocyclic ring nearly in the center of its chemical formula, and a pyrolyzable chemical foaming agent to give a curable and foamable polyolefinic resin composition. The composition is shaped into a sheet, then cured and foamed into a sheet foam. The cured foam of polyolefinic resin has a curing degree of from 10 to 70%, and has the advantages of good heat resistance, good workability and shapability, and good pressure resistance.

Abstract: A blowing agent for foaming polystyrene consisting essentially of at least one low permeability compound (preferably a volatile organic compound (VOC)), at least one low volatility compound (preferably a non-VOC) and, optionally, at least one high volatility compound (preferably a non-VOC). In one embodiment, the low permeability volatile organic compound is selected from the group consisting of isopentane and isobutane, the low volatility non-volatile organic compound is acetone and the high volatility non-volatile organic compound is carbon dioxide. The blowing agent of the present invention may be used to foam a polystyrene foam structure. The blowing agent is directed to achieving low fugitive VOC emissions.

Abstract: When it is intended to obtain foamed particles having a high expansion ratio upon the production of foamed particles of a polyolefin resin, there has been a problem that foamed particles uneven in cell diameter are produced. Any molded article produced with such foamed particles has involved a drawback that it is poor in dimensional stability, and its surface profile becomes uneven.The invention relates to foamed particles comprising a polyolefin resin as a base resin, wherein the base resin contains a metal salt (excluding alkali metal salts) of boric acid in such a manner that the content of the metal salt of boric acid in the raw resin amounts to 50-50,000 ppm. Zinc borate, magnesium borate or the like is used as the metal salt of boric acid.

Abstract: A method of producing an extruded plastics foam of enhanced physical strength includes intimately mixing a blowing agent incorporation CO.sub.2, the major portion of which is a natural gas, in a plastics resin melt to form a homogenous resin mix, and extruding the resin mix through an exit die into a region of lower pressure. At the point of extrusion out of the exit die, the temperature of the resin mix is adjusted so that it is below the critical temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypropylene-based foamed sheet whose expansion ratio is 4 or more times characterized by expansion ratio A of the part (skin layer) up to 20% in each of the seat thickness from both surface of said polypropylene-based foamed sheet and expansion ratio B of part other than said skin layer (core layer) satisfying the following formula (1) and the like1.3.ltoreq.B/A (1)The polypropylene-based foamed sheet of the present invention is excellent in the balance of a lightweight properties and rigidity.

Abstract: A nucleator for foaming comprising a fluororesin powder comprising particles having a particle size of 0.1-0.5 .mu.m in a proportion of at least 50% by number and containing particles having a particle size of not less than 5 .mu.m in a proportion of not more than 40% by number, a foamable composition comprising this nucleator and an organic polymer, a foam made therefrom, and a production method of the foam. The nucleator of the present invention can produce a foam made from an organic polymer improved in expansion ratio, fineness of the cells, uniformity of foaming and the like by the use of an extremely small amount thereof. It is preferably used for forming an insulating foam layer of a high frequency coaxial cable.

Abstract: The invention includes a process comprising steps of (1) forming a admixture of (a) a vinyl aromatic polymer and (b) a coupling amount of at least one poly(sulfonyl azide); (2) introducing the vinyl aromatic polymer or admixture into a melt processing device; (3) melting the vinyl aromatic polymer or admixture, and thereafter (4) exposing the admixture to a temperature, hereinafter, melt process temperature, sufficient to result in coupling of the vinyl aromatic polymer. The invention also includes a process of increasing the molecular weight of a vinyl aromatic polymer by heating an admixture of at least one vinyl aromatic polymer and a coupling amount of at least one poly(sulfonyl azide).

Abstract: A process for producing structural thermoplastic foam is provided which involves gas expansion of a melted thermoplastic resin composition containing an amount of a polyolefin resin effective as a nucleating agent. The thermoplastic resin compositions provided exhibit an improved uniformity of cell structure in the resultant structural thermoplastic foam as a result of the incorporation of the polyolefin nucleating agent. The process and compositions are useful in the production of structural thermoplastic foam articles.

Abstract: A propylene-based polymer composition obtained by polymerizing a propylene monomer in the presence of a stereoregular olefin polymerization catalyst system in the first stage to produce a crystalline propylene-based polymer(A) having an intrinsic viscosity of 5 dl/g or more, and successively polymerizing a propylene monomer in the second stage to produce a crystalline propylene-based polymer(B) with an intrinsic viscosity of less than 3 dl/g, wherein the content of the (A) is in the range of 0.05% by weight or more and less than 35% by weight in the total of the polymers(A) and (B), and the total of the polymers(A) and (B) has an intrinsic viscosity of less than 3 dl/g and a Mw/Mn of less than 10, and the foamed article thereof.

Abstract: A biodegradable expanded starch product having low bulk density of less than 0.45 lb/ft.sup.3 and low dustiness of less than 1.0% at 10% relative humidity and 23.degree. C. comprising:a) modified starch having an amylose content of about 10 to 30% by weight and modified with about 2 to 6% by weight of bound alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, andb) from about 8 to 15% by weight of hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol based on the weight of starch and having a degree of hydrolysis of from about 88 to 99%.

Abstract: New cross-linked polymeric foam compositions, and methods for making the same, are provided. The new compositions utilize novel cross-linked polyolefin copolymers and show improvements in strength, toughness, flexibility, heat resistance and heat-sealing temperature ranges as compared to conventional low density polyethylene compositions. The new compositions also show processing improvements over linear low density polyethylene. The novel polyolefins, which are essentially linear, comprise ethylene polymerized with at least one alpha-unsaturated C3 to C20 olefinic comonomer, and optionally at least one C3 to C20 polyene, and exhibit, in an uncross-linked sense, a resin density in the range of about 0.86 g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.96 g/cm.sup.3, a melt index in the range of about 0.5 dg/min to about 100 dg/min, a molecular weight distribution in the range of from about 1.5 to about 3.5, and a composition distribution breadth index greater than about 45 percent.

Abstract: A foamable polyester composition comprising a combination of blowing agent and mixed polymer composition comprising:a) a semi-crystalline polyester composition comprising a polycondensed branched polyester polymer, andb) an aromatic polycarbonate polymer.The foamable composition has a high extrusion melt strength, and can pulled across a die without ripping, to form a continuous thermoformable closed cell polyester sheet. The foamed sheets have a uniform, fine, and closed cell morphology; and simultaneously are less dense but have a higher impact strength than comparable closed cell polymers made in only with linear polyesters as the polyester component or without the aromatic polycarbonate.

Abstract: A foam comprising a blend of a low density polyethylene and an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer is disclosed. The ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer is preferably LLDPE and has a density ranging from about 0.86 to about 0.94 grams/cubic centimeter and a melt flow index of greater than 10 g/10 minutes. A method for producing such foam is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a foam product including the steps of (A) forming a foamable mixture of (1) an alkenyl aromatic polymer and (2) a blowing agent under a pressure sufficient to prevent prefoaming of the mixture and (B) foaming the mixture into a region of reduced pressure to form the foam product, wherein the difference between the glass transition temperature of the foamable mixture and the foaming temperature is less than about 62.degree. C.

Abstract: An open-cell polystyrene foam is provided which is formed from a blend of polystyrene and an ethylene-styrene interpolymer. The ethylene-styrene interpolymer functions as a cell opening agent, and is used to control the open cell content of the resulting foam, which may contain greater than 80 percent open cells. The foam is produced by an extrusion process in which carbon dioxide is used as the preferred blowing agent. The resulting foams may be formed into beads, plank, round, sheets, etc.

Abstract: A method of producing a substantially open-cell, expanded polystyrene sheet, comprising the steps of:forming a mixture comprising from 30 to 95% of polystyrene incorporating an aliphatic hydrocarbon with 4-6 carbon atoms, from 0 to 65% of polystyrene, and from 0.2 to 10% of a nucleating agent,mixing the mixture obtained and melting it by heating inside an extruder,bringing the mixture to a temperature of 130-150.degree. C. in the final portion of the extruder,extruding the mixture in a lower-pressure atmosphere to produce an expanded sheet, which has a low density and a high capacity to absorb aqueous liquids, particularly if a surfactant is added to the starting mixture, and which, when coupled with two films of plastics material gives rise to a laminate suitable for the production, by thermoforming, of trays for foods which may release aqueous liquids.

Abstract: An improved process for manufacture of expandable polymer particles is provided. The continuous process disclosed produces expandable polymer pellets in a single step while eliminating many of the dangers inherent in processes of prior art employed for the same. The polymers produced herein are of uniform size, and may be molded into various articles of manufacture using existing equipment and techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Abstract: A process is developed for recycling a polyolefin cross-linked substance having a cross-linkage, a polyolefin foamed substance free from a cross-linkage or a polyolefin foamed substance having a cross-linkage. The process includes the step of heating the polyolefin cross-linked substance together with a cross-linkage breaking agent, whereby breaking the cross-linkage to recycle the polyolefin cross-linked substance into a moldable thermoplastic resin. Further, the process includes the step of adding a foaming-agent-decomposition facilitating agent to the polyolefin foamed substance in the course of thermally melting the polyolefin foamed substance, whereby decomposing a residual foaming agent remaining in the polyolefin foamed substance.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing a polyolefin resin foam, comprising the step of extruding to a low-pressure zone a melt of polyolefin resin containing a volatile blowing agent uniformly dispersed therein, the process being characterized in that the volatile blowing agent is a mixture of 5 to 95% by weight of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and 95 to 5% by weight of a low-boiling aliphatic hydrocarbon having a boiling point of 15.degree. C. or lower. According to the invention, there is obtainable a foam of polyolefin resin which is excellent in heat insulating property, dimensional stability and the like and which can retain them for a long term, using a blowing agent which is free of ozone-depleting risks, unlikely to adversely affect global warming, nonflammable and highly compatible with raw materials for foams.

Abstract: An improved durable, low density, high build polyurethane coating is disclosed, as well as its method of manufacture. A slow reacting polyisocyanate is combined with a polyol so as to form a uniform mixture with an extremely long pot life. The low viscosity uniform mixture can then be sprayed onto a substrate using a conventional spray gun. A polyurethane catalyst is introduced after formation of the uniform mixture, preferably via a second spray nozzle so that catalyst is externally mixed into the polyisocyanate/polyol spray stream. This is a 100%, or near 100%, solids system so that there is very low volatile organic compound emissions.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method for inducing nucleation in a polymer by subjecting the polymer containing dissolved gas to an external stress generated, for example, by applying hydrostatic or mechanical pressure. The applied stress restricts the bubble growth so that the foamed materials have small cells and high cell density. Such microcellular foams can be produced over a wide low temperature range, i.e. from the temperature at which the polymer is conditioned with the blowing agent up to about the glass transition temperature of the polymer-blowing agent system. Stress induced nucleation can also be conducted at higher temperatures i.e. up to about the T.sub.g of the neat polymer, leading to foams with larger cells. A variety of homogeneous and heterogeneous foams can be produced by this technique.

Abstract: The present invention therefore relates to a composition comprising:(A) 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin (A); and(B) at least 0.5 part by weight of a siloxane blend (B) consisting essentially of 50-99% by weight of the siloxane blend of a high molecular weight siloxane having a viscosity of greater than 60 Pa.s and 1-50% by weight of the siloxane blend of a low molecular weight siloxane having a viscosity of 10 to 330 Pa.s, wherein said high molecular weight siloxane has a viscosity greater than the viscosity of said low molecular weight siloxane.These compositions exhibit surprisingly improved properties, such as having reduced coefficient of friction, consistent coefficient of friction over time, increased hydrophobicity and improved abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foamed article comprising a modified polypropylene resin which is a graft copolymer of a polypropylene resin and an aromatic vinyl monomer and has an average number of the grafted aromatic vinyl chains of not less than 1 in one molecule of the graft copolymer and a weight average molecular weight of the grafted aromatic vinyl chains of not less than 200, and relates to a process for preparation thereof. According to the present invention, the foamed article comprising the polypropylene resin and having a high closed cell content, a high expansion ratio and good external appearance can be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent, extruded, open cell thermoplastic foam. The foam has an open cell content of about 50 percent or more and an average cell size of up to about 1.5 millimeters. The foam is capable of absorbing a liquid at about 50 percent or more of its theoretical volume capacity when absorbing a liquid. The foam preferably has an average equivalent pore size of about 5 micrometers or more. The foam preferably has a structure substantially of cell walls and cell struts. Further disclosed is a method for absorbing a liquid employing the foam by elongation of the extrudate of the extrusion die. Further disclosed is a method of enhancing absorbency of an open cell foam by applying a surfactant to an exposed surface of the foam such that it remains at the surface and does not infiltrate a substantial distance into the foam. Further disclosed is a meat tray and a diaper containing the foam.

Abstract: A method for the production of polyurethane elastomers by reacting an isocyanate epolymer having an isocyanate content of from 5 to 10% by weight which is the reaction product of an excessive amount of a polyisocyanate containing at least 85% by weight of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate or a variant thereof and a polyether polyol having an average nominal hydroxyl functionality of from 2 to 4, an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of from 500 to 3000, and an oxyethylene content of from 50 to 85% by weight, with an aqueous latex to form a foam, and compressing said foam.

Abstract: An extrusion profile is formed of foamed plastic, which includes a filler of wood flour or wood fiber. The foamed plastic may include polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride or polystyrene in combination with the wood flour filler.

Abstract: Foamed articles having a closed cell structure formed from a polymer blend comprising at least 50% by weight of a styrenic polymer and up to 50% by weight of an acrylic polymer which has an average molecular weight which is less than 90% of that of the styrenic polymer which are significantly less dense than such articles prepared from the styrenic polymer alone.

Abstract: A foam article is made by (1) irradiating a propylene polymer material selected from the group consisting of (a) a terpolymer of propylene, ethylene, and butene-1, (b) a polyolefin composition that includes (i) about 31% to about 39% of a copolymer of propylene and ethylene, and (ii) about 58% to about 72% of a terpolymer of propylene, ethylene, and butene-1, and (c) a polyolefin composition that includes (i) about 30% to about 65% of a copolymer of propylene and butene-1, and (ii) about 35% to about 70% of a copolymer of propylene and ethylene, and (2) extruding the irradiated propylene polymer material through a die in the presence of a physical expanding agent and a cell nucleating agent, whereby a structure is formed whose density is at least 10.times. less than the initial density of the propylene polymer material. The foam articles exhibit improved flexibility and low temperature toughness compared to conventional propylene polymer materials.

Abstract: A foamed cellular material which can be obtained from foamed aromatic polyester resins with a bulk density of 50 to 700 kg/m3 by heating in vacuum to temperatures which are higher than the Tg of the material and lower than its melting point. The foamed material, generally in the form of a sheet or panel, has high-level characteristics in terms of flexibility and dimensional thermostability depending on the degree of crystallinity after the vacuum treatment.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to improved alkenyl aromatic polymer foams (and processes for their preparation) having increased heat distortion temperature and improved dimensional stability while maintaining good tensile/tear, creep and environmental dimensional change properties.The closed cell low density alkenyl aromatic polymer foams exhibit increased heat distortion temperature, when substantially random interpolymers of about 21 to about 65 mol % styrene are blended in. When these same alkenyl aromatic polymer foams are made without these interpolymers, the heat distortion temperature is not improved.

Abstract: An extruded polyolefin foam in thicknesses of at least about 12 mm and greater of improved compressive strength, extensional viscosity, and reduced aging time and a process for making the foam are disclosed. The foam is prepared using a propane blowing agent. The beneficial properties imparted to thicker grade and plank foams by a propane blowing agent can be achieved with up to as much as 75% by volume of either normal butane or isobutane or both in the blowing agent, depending on the polyolefin selected.

Abstract: A branched random aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters suitable for foaming has increased melt viscosity and melt strength during extrusion and comprises repeating units of:[--{(O--R.sup.1 --O).sub.a --(CO--R.sup.2 --CO).sub.b }--{(O--R.sup.3 --O).sub.c --(CO--Ar--CO).sub.d }--](BA).sub.x.The mole percent of the acid components and diol components are each based on 100 mole percent. The aliphatic acid residue, --CO--R.sup.2 --CO--, is present in an amount b ranging from 30 to 95 percent and the aromatic acid residue, --CO--Ar--CO--, is present in an amount d ranging from 5 to 70 percent. The diol residues, --O--R.sup.1 --O-- and --O--R.sup.3 --O--, are present in an amount a of 0 to 100 mol percent and in an amount c of 100 to 0 mol percent, respectively. The branching agent, BA, is present in an amount x of 0.01 to 10 weight percent based on the total weight of acid residues, diol residues and branching agent. A foamed article of the branched random aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters is disclosed.

Abstract: A thermosetting foam, preferably polyisocyanurate or polyurethane foam, is prepared in an extruder which permits the incorporation of high levels of filler particles. The method includes introducing polyol, isocyanate and filler particles to an extruder screw for mixing. In conjunction with extruding, a catalyst is added. The catalyst may be added either in a last extruder barrel or with the extruder head. Foam with filler particle content in excess of 12% made be readily made. Filler particles, such as aluminum trihydrate, perlite, carbon black, diatomaceous earth, polyiso powders, ammonium phosphate, fly ash, barium sulfate, calcium silicate, and calcium carbonate, may be used. The process described is preferably used for making foam boards or bunstock.