Abstract: A process for the preparation of expandable granules based on polyaryl ether sulfones and/or polyether imides, containing from 5 to 20% by weight of a physical blowing agent, the blowing agent and the polymers being mixed in an extruder and subsequently extruded directly into a medium at less than 40.degree. C., and a process for the production of foams from expandable granules based on polyaryl ether sulfones and/or polyether imides, containing from 5 to 20% by weight of a physical blowing agent, the granules being press molded at from 120.degree. to 250.degree. C. and at a pressure of from 5 to 30 bar to form a sheet, and the sheet being subsequently foamed by reducing the pressure, are described.

Abstract: Poly(alkenyl substituted aromatic) and elastomer containing polymer compositions, obtainable by a process comprising:(a) conversion of polyphenylene ether or a structurally related polymer thereof with an acid halide, an acid anhydride or ketene, in at least one alkenyl substituted aromatic monomer;(b) dissolution of at least one EPDM rubber and an optionally partially hydrogenated diblock copolymer A--B, optionally mixed with minor amounts of triblock copolymers ABA, wherein A represents a poly(alkenyl aromatic) block and B represents an optionally, partially hydrogenated poly conjugated diene block;(c) prepolymerization of the obtained mixture until a polymerization degree of from 5 to 20%;(d) suspending the prepolymerized mass into an aqueous medium;(e) polymerization by thermal initiation or by initiation by means of at least one free radical initiator, optionally in the presence of an expanding agent;and a process for the preparation of such polymer compositions.

Abstract: The use of tertiary ethers as blowing agent allows the preparation of lower density foams from many types of polymeric materials.

Abstract: Polyolefin foams and films having improved electrostatic properties are provided by incorporating into the polyolefin foam or film a novel antistatic additive composition comprising 0.1 to 10 parts per hundred based on the weight of the olefin polymer of a quaternary ammonium salt and 0.1 to 10 parts per hundred based on the weight of the olefin polymer of a partial ester of a long-chain fatty acid with a polyol. A method of making the foam containing the novel antistatic additive composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Foam sheets of high heat distortion resistance contain a) from 80 to 99% by weight of a styrene polymer and b) from 1 to 20% by weight of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), and, if desired, conventional additives and are produced by extrusion using a low-boiling blowing agent.

Abstract: Novel, expandable polymeric blends comprising at least one vinylaromatic monomer-acylonitrile resinous material, an effective amount of at least one blowing agent, and from about 0.2 to about 1.0 percent by weight, based on the weight of resinous material, of an expansion aid consisting essentially of triethylene glycol. The triethylene glycol expansion aid unexpectedly reduces the amount of expansion agent required to expand the composition, particularly to low density products, without adversely affecting the final properties of the foamed product.

Abstract: A process of making a foamed thermoplastic elastomer is disclosed, and the foam thus produced. The thermoplastic elastomers, which are blends of 90 to 10 parts of rubber and 10 to 90 parts of crystalline polyolefin plastic, are melted, admixed with water under pressure, and released to atmospheric pressure. The resultant foam has good cell structure and low density, and a high percentage of closed (as opposed to interconnecting) cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, low density, non-outgassing ethylenic polymer foam containing 30-85% open cells and the remainder closed cells and having an essentially integral surface. The foam possesses superior compression recovery and lower compression resistance when compared with similarly comprised ethylenic closed cell foams and superior moisture resistance and handling characteristics when compared to open cell foams.

Abstract: A foam material, particularly suitable for use as a midsole material for an athletic shoe, comprises polyethylene modified by an elastomer modifier and cross-linked, preferably using a peroxide cross-linking agent, to form a closed cell foam material which has superior strength properties, improved energy return and reduced sensitivity to temperature change.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to foams produced from sulfone polymers and mixtures of sulfone polymers with various non-sulfone polymers. These foams are produced using aqueous blowing agents comprising water as the only blowing agent, or mixtures of water with another blowing agent material.

Abstract: Alkenyl aromatic thermoplastic synthetic resinous elongate foam bodies having a machine direction, a traverse direction and closed noninterconnecting gas-containing cells are prepared using at least 70 percent by weight of 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane as a blowing agent or part of a blowing agent mixture. These foam bodies have an average cell size of 0.01 to 0.3 millimeters, a density of from about 0.75 to about 6.0 pounds per cubic foot, an absolute dimensional stability of less than 4 percent in any direction when measured by the test designated ASTM D2126/C578, and preferably a minimum cross-sectional dimension of at least 0.25 inch, a cross-sectional area of at least 8 square inches, a water vapor permeability not greater than 1.8 per inch.A cell size enlarger agent may be necessary for cell sizes in the 0.2-0.3 range.

Abstract: A process for producing expandable thermoplastic resin beads which comprises suspending in an aqueous medium interpolymer beads comprising a polyphenylene ether resin and a polymerized vinyl aromatic monomer such as styrene, polymerizing the vinyl aromatic monomer in the presence of a polymerization catalyst to interpolymerize the vinyl aromatic monomer with the polyphenylene ether and, optionally, adding a cross-linking agent, to form interpolymerized thermoplastic resin beads, and introducing a blowing agent under pressure into the thermoplastic resin beads. The resulting resin beads have excellent foamability and molding fusability, and a foamed shaped article having superior thermal stability can be prepared from these beads.

Abstract: Foams having high compressive strength are obtained by extrusion of a mixture of a styrene polymer and from 3 to 9% by weight of a blowing agent consisting of from 80 to 100% by weight of CO.sub.2 and from 0 to 20% by weight of one or more halohydrocarbons or hydrocarbons which are gaseous at room temperature, the mixture being extruded into a zone under from 0.1 to 2 bar gage pressure and the foam being allowed to stabilize under this pressure.

Abstract: A porous fluoropolymer alloy material and method of fabrication is provided. The alloy material is fabricated by forming a compressed extrusion billet from two or more fluoropolymer resins capable of being stretched after extrusion and having different stretch characteristics. The fluoropolymer alloy billet is then extruded, stretched and sintered. The resulting material has a microstructure of large nodes interconnected by fibrils all oriented in the direction of stretch and has a higher tensile strength than produceable from previous porous fluoropolymer materials. Also, the resulting material can be made at lower stretch rates and at higher stretch ratios than previously possible without degradation of the material's strength.

Abstract: A novel anhydrous nonflammable tire sealer and inflator composition comprising a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) propellant, a solvent, and a rubber resin soluble in the solvent. The composition is packaged in aerosol cans and is used to seal and inflate punctured pneumatic tires. The composition utilizes a solvent-based adhesive resin with a hydrochlorofluorocarbon propellant in order to provide a nonflammable composition which does not utilize environmentally objectionable chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants.

Abstract: A process for producing expandable thermoplastic resin beads which comprises suspending in an aqueous medium interpolymer beads comprising a polyphenylene ether resin and a polymerized vinyl aromatic monomer such as styrene, polymerizing the vinyl aromatic monomer in the presence of a polymerization catalyst to interpolymerize the vinyl aromatic monomer with the polyphenylene ether and, optionally, adding a cross-linking agent, to form interpolymerized thermoplastic resin beads, and introducing a blowing agent under pressure into the thermoplastic resin beads. The resulting resin beads have excellent foamability and molding fusability, and a foamed shaped article having superior thermal stability can be prepared from these beads.

Abstract: A new rigid polyvinyl chloride foam is provided which has been improved with respect to the thickness of its non-foamed layer and the surface properties including its tensile strength and compressive strength. The foam can be produced preferably by mixing 3-10 parts per hundred of resin (per hundred resin) of dioctyl phthalate and 4-20 phr of an impact-resistance modifier such as a methyl methacrylate acid-butadiene-styrene copolymer with a composition of 100 phr of vinyl chloride resin, 5 phr of a processing aid, 2 phr of a heat stabilizer, 0.5 phr of a lubricant, 0.75 phr of a foaming agent and 0.75 phr of boric acid, and then extruding the resulting mixture from a single-screw extruder.

Abstract: A process for producing cellular foamed articles from high temperature engineering polymers wherein polymeric blowing agents are utilized to expand the polymers. The process comprises mixing a first polymer capable of being foamed with a second polymer comprising at least one poly(alkylene carbonate) to provide a polymer blend; heating the polymer blend to a temperature sufficient to melt the polymer to be foamed and to decompose the second polymer to form gas inclusions within the first polymer; expanding the melted first polymer containing the gas inclusions to form a foamed article; and cooling the foamed article to a temperature below the melting or softening point of the foamed article. Polymers which may be foamed according to the process include those polymers which can tolerate processing temperatures in excess of 260.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of producing a foamed product having a density less than 0.2 g/cm.sup.3, which comprises foaming a composition comprising a major proportion of a low viscosity polypropylene component having a melt viscosity (at 190.degree. C. and a shear rate of 1000 sec.sup.-1) of less than 2.times.10.sup.3 poise and a minor proportion of a high viscosity polypropylene component having a melt viscosity (at 190.degree. C. and a shear rate of 1000 sec.sup.-1) of greater than 2.5.times.10.sup.3 poise.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyethylene compositions comprising 20-98 wt. % branched polyethylene (a) with a density of between 915 and 940 kg/m.sup.3 and a melt flow index of between 0.05 and 40 dg/minute, prepared by a high pressure radical process, and 2-80 wt. % substantially linear polyethylene (b) with a density of between 850 and 915 kg/m.sup.3, a melt flow index of between 0.05 and 25 dg/minute and a DSC crystallinity at 23.degree. C. of at least 10%, prepared with the aid of a transition metal catalyst, the difference between the highest crystallization temperature of branched polyethylene (a) and the highest DSC crystallization temperature of linear polyethylene (b) being at most 10.degree. C. and the mixture having a modulus of elasticity of at most 280 N/mm.sup.2 and objects made therefrom. These polyethylene compositions, when processed to foamed objects, have a high resistance to high temperatures as well as a high flexibility.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, low density, non-outgassing ethylenic polymer foam containing 30-85% open cells and the remainder closed cells and having an essentially integral surface. The foam possesses superior compression recovery and lower compression resistance when compared with similarly comprised ethylenic closed cell foams and superior moisture resistance and handling characteristics when compared to open cell foams.

Abstract: The process of enabling foam moldings to expand further than otherwise by impregnating the expanded sheet with inorganic gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, air and other pneumatogens prior to reheating to effect expansion.

Abstract: An expandable composition for non-crosslinked foam comprising:(a) 80 to 99% by weight of a 1-butene copolymer,(b) 20 to 1% by weight of an ethylene polymer, and(c) a blowing agent,the percentages being based on the total weight of the 1-butene copolymer and the ethylene polymer.

Abstract: A foamable composition comprises in admixture (a) a high molecular weight thermoplastic resin in particulate form and an effective amount of (b) a foaming agent therefor comprising a pumpable liquid dispersion comprising (i) a solid blowing agent, (ii) a liquid carrier, and, optionally, (iii) a thickener. The liquid dispersion can be pumped directly into the hopper of a foam molding machine eliminating the need to pre-mix pelletized concentrates of the solid blowing agent.

Abstract: A foam material, particularly suitable for use as a midsole material for an athletic shoe, comprises polyethylene modified by an elastomer modifier and cross-linked, preferably using a peroxide cross-linking agent, to form a closed cell foam material which has superior strength properties, improved energy return and reduced sensitivity to temperature change.

Abstract: A new rigid polyvinyl chloride foam is provided which has been improved with respect to the thickness of its non-foamed layer and the surface properties including its tensile strength and compressive strength. The foam can be produced preferably by mixing (per hundred resin) dioctyl phthalate and 4-20 phr of an impact-resistance modifier such as a methyl methacrylate acid-butadiene-styrene copolymer with a composition 100 phr of vinyl chloride resin, 5 phr of processing aid, 2 phr of a heat stabilizer, 0.5 phr of a lubricant, 0.75 phr of a foaming agent and 0.75 phr of boric acid, and then extruding the resulting mixture from a single-screw extruder.

Abstract: A process for producing expandable thermoplastic resin beads which comprises suspending in an aqueous medium interpolymer beads comprising a polyphenylene ether resin and a polymerized vinyl aromatic monomer such as styrene, polymerizing the vinyl aromatic monomer in the presence of a polymerization catalyst to interpolymerize the vinyl aromatic monomer with the polyphenylene ether and, optionally, adding a cross-linking agent, to form interpolymerized thermoplastic resin beads, and introducing a blowing agent under pressure into the thermoplastic resin beads. The resulting resin beads have excellent foamability and molding fusability, and a foamed shaped article having superior thermal stability can be prepared from these beads.

Abstract: Moldable foam beads comprising a silane-crosslinked polyolefin foam are produced by mixing a composition comprising a silane-modified polyolefin (such as a silane-grafted polyethylene) and a silanol condensation catalyst in an extruder to produce a melt, then injecting a blowing agent into the melt at a rate effective to produce a desired foam density in the extrudate; extruding and cutting the melt to form foam beads; and exposing the foam beads to moisture to produce silane crosslinking of the polyolefin foam.

Abstract: Process of producing a foamed product by forming a shaped article from a composition comprising a thermoplastic olefin polymer, a hydrolyzable, unsaturated silane, a gas generating compound and an organic peroxide in an amount of about 0.5 to about 2 percent by weight, and thereafter subjecting the shaped article to elevated temperatures to activate the gas generating compound and organic peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polyester polyol having a molecular weight between about 850 and 2000, a functionality of about 5 to 9 and an OH number of about 200 to 350, based on 100% solids, which is prepared by reacting(a) an acid component based on at least one polyfunctional cycloaliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid, anhydride or ester and optionally up to about 50 percent by weight of at least one acyclic, polyfunctional carboxylic acid and(b) a hydroxyl component containing at least a portion of at least one polyol having a functionality of at least 3.The present invention is also directed to a process for preparing these polyester polyols by reacting the above components and is further directed to the use of these polyester polyols in combination with organic polyisocyanates for the production of polyurethanes, particularly polyurethane coatings.

Abstract: A foam of a polyolefin/polystyrene resin mixture obtained by mixing a polyolefin resin and a polystyrene resin in the presence of a hydrogenated styrene/butadiene block copolyer, and subjecting the resultant mixed resinous composition to extrusion foaming, wherein;(1) said hydrogenated styrene/butadiene block copolymer comprises, as components before hydrogenation, 10 to 38% by weight of styrene and butadiene with a content of 1,2-bond type butadiene of 20 to 50% by weight based on butadiene, and;(2) said foam comprises a thin surface skin portion showing a value of 0.65 or more of the surface structural index S represented by the following formula:S=t/T.gtoreq.0.65wherein t and T each represent a total light-transmission evaluated according to the method of ASTM D1003 with respect to a surface skin layer and an inner layer of the foam,is found to have the cushioning properties (or the foam properties) that enables elastic cushioning of a large load.

Abstract: The labor costs associated with manufacturing wooden articles often represent a substantial portion of the total cost of producing the wooden article. This invention discloses a polymeric composition which can be easily molded into articles which have physical properties which are very similar to those of wood. By utilizing the polymeric composition and techniques of this invention, it is possible to manufacture a wide variety of wood-like articles by molding at reduced costs. This invention specifically reveals a polymeric composition which can be molded into articles having wood-like physical properties which is comprised of (1) from about 80 to about 99 weight percent polyethylene terephthalate, (2) from about 1 to about 20 weight percent of a polycarbonate, and (3) from about 0.3 to about 2 weight percent of 5-phenyltetrazole. These polymeric compositions can be prepared utilizing scrap polyethylene terephthalate, such as recycled polyethylene terephthalate beverage bottles.

Abstract: Improved closed cell foams particularly suitable for use in packaging applications comprising a plurality of coalesced strands or profiles of a foamed thermoplastic composition.

Abstract: Highly loaded improved closed cell foams comprising a plurality of coalesced strands or profiles of an alkenyl aromatic thermoplastic synthetic resin or mixture of an olefin polymer resin and a copolymer of ethylene with one or more copolymerizable comonomers having a lower melting point than the olefin polymer resin. The loading of the nucleating additive is in a range of about 0.5 to about 50 weight percent, based on total resin weight. When highly loaded with carbon black these foams are electroconductive foams.

Abstract: An electrically conductive polyethylene foam which is in the form of a profile, e.g. a sheet, having a closed cell foam structure and exhibiting a surface resistivity of not more than 10.sup.5 ohms/square. The sheet is prepared by a continuous method wherein an extruded, foamable, non-crosslinked preform containing a mixture of polyethylene, ethylene copolymer, chemical blowing agent, crosslinking agent and conductive carbon black is heated to produce the foam.

Abstract: A non-crosslinked foam of a composition comprising:(A) 72 to 98% by weight of a 1-butene polymer; and(B) 28 to 2% by weight of a propylene polymer, the percentages being based on the total weight of the 1-butene polymer and the propylene polymer.

Abstract: An expandable composition for non-crosslinked foam comprising:(a) 80 to 99% by weight of a 1-butene homopolymer,(b) 20 to 1% by weight of an ethylene polymer, and(c) a blowing agent,the percentages being based on the total weight of the 1-butene homopolymer and the ethylene polymer.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ether compositions rendered flame retardant with bromine-containing compounds can be foam molded into shaped articles free of streaking and without the generation of odors if the foaming agent comprises citric acid and sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: A process for producing expandable thermoplastic resin beads which comprises suspending in an aqueous medium interpolymer beads comprising a polyphenylene ether resin and a polymerized vinyl aromatic monomer such as styrene, polymerizing the vinyl aromatic monomer in the presence of a polymerization catalyst to interpolymerize the vinyl aromatic monomer with the polyphenylene ether and, optionally, adding a cross-linking agent, to form interpolymerized thermoplastic resin beads, and introducing a blowing agent under pressure into the thermoplastic resin beads. The resulting resin beads have excellent foamability and molding fusability, and a foamed shaped article having superior thermal stability can be prepared from these beads.

Abstract: The labor costs associated with manufacturing wooden articles often represent a substantial portion of the total cost of producing the wooden article. This invention discloses a polymeric composition which can be easily molded into articles which have physical properties which are very similar to those of wood. By utilizing the polymeric composition and techniques of this invention, it is possible to manufacture a wide variety of wood-like articles by molding at reduced costs. This invention specifically reveals a polymeric composition which can be molded into articles having wood-like physical properties which is comprised of (1) from about 80 to about 99 weight percent polyethylene terephthalate, (2) from about 1 to about 20 weight percent of a polycarbonate, and (3) from about 0.3 to about 2 weight percent of 5-phenyltetrazole. These polymeric compositions can be prepared utilizing scrap polyethylene terephthalate, such as recycled polyethylene terephthalate beverage bottles.

Abstract: A foamed and expanded low density polyethylene sheet or tube possesses both superior buoyancy and thermal resistance characteristics. The sheet or tube is made by a process comprising mixing a low density polyethylene with a blowing agent, surface activation agent and, preferably, a separation agent, heating the mixture at different temperatures to first melt the mixture and then gasify the blowing agent to expand the polyethylene cells, cooling the melted mass to partially harden and shrink the expanded cells, further expanding the cells by introducing a second gaseous blowing agent, cutting, extruding and cooling the expanded mass, forming a sheet or tube from the cooling mass, and finally cooling the sheet or tube for at least 24 hours. A buoyant, thermal resistant, water-repellent and moisture resistant sheet or tube results, which can be used, for example, as a liner for garments, including sports, business and military garments and other related equipment.

Abstract: A method for forming a molded thermoplastic foam structure comprising partially filling a mold with solvent imbibed particles of a thermoplastic resin, pressurizing said mold under conditions such as to prevent vaporization of said blowing agent during subsequent polymer melting, heating said polymer to a flowable state, releasing the mold pressure to permit foaming of the melt and expansion of the foamed polymer within the mold.

Abstract: A non-crosslinked foam of a composition comprising:(A) 72 to 98% by weight of a 1-butene polymer; and(B) 28 to 2% by weight of a propylene polymer, the percentages being based on the total weight of the 1-butene polymer and the propylene polymer.

Abstract: Foams are prepared from a linear low density polyethylene and, optionally, other olefinic polymers, such as a low density polyethylene using a chemical cross-linking agent. The resulting cross-linked polyethylene foams exhibit an excellent balance of properties at generally lower densities than foams prepared from low density polyethylene only.

Abstract: Foamable, thermoplastic molding composition exhibiting an improved level of impact resistance is provided. The composition, which is suitable for the preparation of expanded molded parts, comprise a thermoplastic resin, preferably at least one selected from a group consisting of polycarbonate, polyalkylene terephthalate, aromatic polyester and polyester carbonate, a nucleating agent, a chemical blowing agent and an anhydride. It was unexpectedly found that the composition is suitable for the molding of articles having an improved level of impact resistance.

Abstract: An expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer composition and methods of preparation are provided. The composition is admixed with a volatile blowing agent and an expansion aid which includes a polyphenylene ether. The composition may be extruded and then expanded by exposure to steam or hot air or may be impregnated with blowing agent and then expanded.

Abstract: The production of foamed articles of polyphenylene ether resins is improved by including a modifier comprising an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid or derivative. The resulting products are lightweight, exhibit superior heat resistance and retain flame retardancy over polyphenylene ether resins which are foamed in the absence of the modifier. Such resins are especially suited for the production of extrusion and injection foam molding material.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ether compositions rendered flame retardant with bromine-containing compounds can be foam molded into shaped articles free of streaking and without the generation of odors if the foaming agent comprises citric acid and sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: Low density particles or beads of polyphenylene ether or polyphenylene ether-polystyrene blends are provided by incorporation of a suitable blowing agent such as pentane into the resin mixture, flowed by expansion of the resin particles by exposure temperatures near the Tg of the blend.

Abstract: A foam of cross-linked polyethylene having microcell structure is prepared using a chemical cross-linking initiator having a 10 hours half life temperature of from 80.degree. to 110.degree. C. In a preferred embodiment, the chemical cross-linking agent is employed in combination with co-cross-linking agent such as triallyl cyanurate.