Abstract: A foam absorber having electromagnetic energy attenuation characteristics comprising an open cell reticulated polyurethane foam impregnated with a conductive ink applied to a surface of the foam substrate. The conductive ink is applied as by spraying to a surface of the foam, coating such surface and gradiently loading the foam with the ink by penetration of the ink in gradually decreasing amount into the foam to a final depth therein. The conductive ink is comprised of an epoxy resin carrier and a combination of carbon and a metal such as silver, copper or nickel, preferably silver. The ink is applied as a curable mixture containing a solvent, to the foam substrate, the solvent is evaporated following coating and penetration of the ink into the foam, and the epoxy carrier of the ink in the foam substrate is cured.

Abstract: An improved method of using polymer compositions to produce foamed plastics, wherein a major, auxiliary source of blowing agent for the foam is the decomposition of dialkyl dicarbonates. The dialkyl dicarbonates can be decomposed over temperatures ranging from about 10.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C. when used in combination with particular tertiary amine decomposition catalysts. Enhanced production of carbon dioxide is obtained by the addition of water.

Abstract: A closed cell, rigid, polymer foam comprising the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and an isocyanate-reactive compound in the presence of (a) a foaming agent, (b) at least about 2 percent by weight of carbon black, based on the weight of the polymer in the foam, and (c) a capped polyoxyalkylene compound which helps bring about a uniform dispersion of the carbon black throughout the foam so that the aged k-factor of the foam is below the aged k-factor of the corresponding unfilled foam.

Abstract: The disadvantages associated with using a platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction to prepare sponge products from curable organosiloxane compositions can be overcome by microencapsulating the platinum-containing catalyst in a thermoplastic organic or organosilicone polymer.

Abstract: An acrylic rubber composition is proposed which is improved in respect of the extrusion-moldability as well as the surface slipperiness of the vulcanized article obtained therefrom. The composition comprises (a) an acrylic rubbery cooplymer which is a copolymer of a (meth)acrylic ester and a coolymerizable organosilicon compound having a silicon-bonded vinyl group in a molecule, (b) a reinforcing filler, (c) a powder of spherical particles having a specified average particle diameter and (d) an organic peroxide as a vulcanizing agent. The composition can be compounded further with a blowing agent to give a foamable rubber composition capable of being vulcanized into a spongy rubber body exhibiting excellent feeling on touch and slipperiness in contact with human skin to be useful, for example, as a material of cosmetic puffs.

Abstract: A microporous particulate-filled thermoplastic polymeric article is provided. The article can be in the form of a film, a fiber, or a tube. The article has a thermoplastic polymeric structure having a plurality of interconnected passageways to provide a network of communicating pores. The microporous structure contains discrete submicron or low micron-sized particulate filler, the particulate filler being substantially non-agglomerated.

Abstract: A method of producing elastic foam having a base of polyurethane, in particular for use in the field of automobiles for sound damping. Allows production of foam parts directly in a desired shape in as few operations as possible. The foam is formed from a mixture of at least one polyurethane precondensate, at least on melamine precondensate and further additives for the foaming.

Abstract: Substantially closed-cell thermoplastic foams having a fragrance incorporated into the foam during extrusion are found to provide fragrant and long lasting release characteristics provided the foam is at least 70 percent closed cells. Generally the amount of fragrance is about 0.001 to about 5 weight percent of the total thermoplastic foam weight.

Abstract: An expandable styrene polymer containinga) a styrene polymer,b) from 0.05 to 3% by weight, based on a), of water,c) from 0.001 to 1% by weight, based on a), of a finely divided organic polymer having a water absorption capacity of 10 g/g or more,d) from 0.5 to 8% by weight, based on a), of a C.sub.3 - to C.sub.6 -hydrocarbon, and, if desired,e) conventional additives in effective amounts, have good flow properties and low adhesion during prefoaming.

Abstract: An EVA closed cell foam is composed of 100 parts of EVA, 1 to 5 parts of azodicarbonamide, 3 to 10 parts of zinc oxide, 1 to 5 parts of zinc stearate, 1 to 3 parts of stearic acid, and 15 to 25 parts of electrically conductive carbon black. The composition is stirred in a stirring machine. The stirred composition is mixed in a mixing machine. The mixed composition is rolled out with a calender roller and sliced to a plurality of sheets. The sheets are cured with a curing machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductive rubber foam having a volume resistivity that can be controlled to a practical level and retaining an initial softness (hardness) even after the lapse of time. This semiconductor rubber foam is composed of a molded article obtained by curing and foaming a rubber composition comprising (A) 100 parts by weight of a chlorinated ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer rubber and (B) 10 to 50 parts by weight of carbon black. The volume resistivity of this semiconductive rubber foam has is in the range of from 10.sup.5 to 10.sup.11 .OMEGA.-cm.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a silicone foam having reduced density of about 5 to about 6 pounds per cubic foot, comprising the step of agitating a mixture of ingredients comprising (A) a silicone composition, comprising by weight: (1) 100 parts of a vinyl-terminated polydiorganosiloxane (2) about 0.5 to about 5 parts by weight of an aqueous buffer solution having a pH in the range of about 9 to about 10; and (3) about 25 to about 140 parts per million of a platinum catalyst; (B) about 2.5 to about 20 parts of a substantially linear hydride polysiloxane (C) about 0.1 to about 15 parts of a cyclic hydride polysiloxane; and (D) about 0.1 to about 5 parts of a hydroxyl source selected from the group consisting of water, organic alcohol, or a mixture of the foregoing.

Abstract: A sustained and controlled release form of iodine is achieved by a complex of polyvinyl alcohol and the iodine characterized by a low water solubility. The polyvinyl alcohol may be reacted to form hydroxylated polyvinyl acetal sponge and the sponge is topically applied as an antimicrobial agent which releases controlled amounts of iodine sufficient to kill germ cells with minimal toxicity to surrounding tissue.

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: A reinforced polymeric matrix comprising a glass mat and a norbornene polymer surrounding the glass mat, the glass mat is composed of at least one glass fiber treated with a silane coupling agent and a binder adhering the glass fiber(s) to the norbornene polymer; the binder is selected from polyolefins, vinyl aromatic polymers, and ring-opened polymers of at least one norbornene-type monomer containing at least one norbornene group.

Abstract: The blowing agent is a complex of cyclodextrin and guest blowing agent. Suitable guest blowing agents include water, propylene glycol and cyclohexylalamine. The blowing agent is used in structural foam and adhesives.

Abstract: A method of forming a heat-resistant product, produced from a polymer composition comprising 40-70 weight % of a thermoplastic elastomer containing a repeating unit derived from ethylene and a repeating unit derived from propylene and 60-30 weight % of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer containing 7.5 weight % or more of a vinyl acetate repeating unit, which comprises blending the polymer composition at a temperature of 160.degree. C. or less, molding it at a temperature of 180.degree. C. or less, and then cross-linking the resulting molded product by irradiating it with an electron beam or by heating to produce a foamed product which has good shape memory characteristics.

Abstract: An air permeable sheet-like structure comprising 20% to 60% by weight of single discrete reinforcing fibres having a high modulus of elasticity (as herein defined), and being between about 7 and about 50 millimeters long and 40% to 80% by weight of wholly or substantially unconsolidated elements of thermoplastics material, and in which the fibrous and thermoplastics components are bonded into an air permeable structure, at least some of said elements of thermoplastics material each having a first dimension of not more than 1 millimeters, a second dimension of between 1.5 millimeters and 30 millimeters, a total volume of not more than 30 cubic millimeters and a surface area to volume ratio greater than about 4:1, with any further elements of thermoplastics material present each having a volume of less than about 1.8 cubic millimeters.

Abstract: A biodegradable shaped product comprising an expanded high amylose starch product having at least 45% by weight amylose content, said expanded product having a low density, closed cell structure with good resilience and compressibility.Another embodiment provides a biodegradable packaging material comprising an expanded, low density, closed cell starch product, the starch having at least 45% by weight amylose content and the expanded product having a bulk density of less than about 2.0 lb/ft.sup.3, a resiliency of at least about 50%, and a compressibility of from about 100 to 800 g/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A biodegradable shaped product comprising an expanded high amylose starch product having at least 45% by weight amylose content, said expanded product having a low density, closed cell structure with good resilience and compressibility.Another embodiment provides a biodegradable packaging material comprising an expanded, low density, closed cell starch product, the starch having at least 45% by weight amylose content and the expanded product having a bulk density of less than about 2.0 lb/ft.sup.3, a resiliency of at least about 50%, and a compressibility of from about 100 to 800 g/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a silicone foam having reduced density of about 5 to about 6 pounds per cubic foot, comprising the step of agitating a mixture of ingredients comprising (A) a silicon composition, comprising by weight: (1) 100 parts of a vinyl-terminated polydiorganosiloxane (2) about 0.5 to about 5 parts by weight of an aqueous buffer solution having a pH in the range of about 9 to about 10; and (3) about 25 to about 140 parts per million of a platinum catalyst; (8) about 2.5 to about 20 parts of a substantially linear hydride polysiloxane (C) about 0.1 to about 15 parts of a cyclic hydride polysiloxane; and (D) about 0.1 to about 5 parts of a hydroxyl source selected from the group consisting of water, organic alcohol, or a mixture of the foregoing.

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: A method is provided for preparing a silicon foam having reduced density of about 5 to about 6 pounds per cubic foot, comprising the step of agitating a mixture of ingredients comprising (A) a silicon composition, comprising by weight: (1) 100 parts of a vinyl-terminated polydiorganosiloxane (2) about 0.5 to about 5 parts by weight of an aqueous buffer solution having a pH in the range of about 9 to about 10; and (3) about 25 to about 140 parts per million of a platinum catalyst; (B) about 2.5 to about 20 parts of a substantially linear hydride polysiloxane (C) about 0.1 to about 15 parts of a cyclic hydride polysiloxane; and (D) about 0.1 to about 5 parts of a hydroxyl source selected from the group consisting of water, organic alcohol, or a mixture of the foregoing.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the cure time of a platinum-catalyzed addition cured silicone foamable composition, comprising the step of adding to the composition an aqueous buffer solution having a pH of about 2 to about 10, wherein cure time is increased if the pH of the buffer solution is higher than the pH of the composition prior to the addition thereto of the buffer solution and decreased if the pH of the buffer solution is lower than the pH of the composition prior to the addition thereto of the buffer solution.

Abstract: A microporous particulate-filled thermoplastic polymeric article is provided. The article can be in the form of a film, a fiber, or a tube. The article has a thermoplastic polymeric structure having a plurality of interconnected passageways to provide a network of communicating pores. The microporous structure contains discrete submicron or low micron-sized particulate filler, the particulate filler being substantially non-agglomerated.

Abstract: Low viscosity elastomeric silicone foam compositions are produced which do not bleed, split or rupture with cure where viscosity is controlled by controlling the content of the vinyl containing polysiloxane portion of the foam.

Abstract: An intumescent material comprises expandible graphite in a polymeric binder. The binder may be a flexible or elastomeric binder or a formaldehyde resin. A suitable flexible binder is a polymer selected from vinyl acetate polymers, styrene polymers, vinyl chloride polymers, acrylic polymers, vinyl butyral polymers, melamine/urea/phenol formaldehyde resins, polyesters and phenolic resins. A suitable elastomeric binder is a rubber. A suitable formaldehyde resin is melamine formaldehyde resin, urea formaldehyde resin, phenol formaldehyde resin or resorcinol formaldehyde resin.

Abstract: Silicone foams are provided which have increased tensile strength as the result of using an effective amount of a silicone polyimide block copolymer having chemically combined organovinylsiloxy units in the silicone block.

Abstract: Plastic foam materials having a high degree of structural integrity, cell network uniformity and small cell size are obtained from (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylonitrile by incorporating acrylamide as a comonomer additive within certain ranges of concentration. Incorporation of the latter together with conventional additives normally used in preparing foams from the principal monomers helps to avoid preliminary precipitation during the polymerization process, and the gradients in the polymer microstructure which frequently result and cause internal stresses and weaknesses in the ultimate product.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of an expandable vinyl plastisol capable of yielding cellular products containing a nitrogen-based blowing agent and a zinc salt as accelerator of decomposition of the blowing agent. The accelerator, which is preferably zinc chloride, is incorporated in the plastisol in the form of a solution in a liquid carrier.The process results in cellular products consisting of uniform fine cells without any major change in color.

Abstract: Plastic foam materials having a high degree of structural integrity, cell network uniformity and small cell size are obtained from (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylonitrile by incorporating acrylamide as a comonomer additive within certain ranges of concentration. Incorporation of the latter together with conventional additives normally used in preparing foams from the principal monomers helps to avoid preliminary precipitation during the polymerization process, and the gradients in the polymer microstructure which frequently result and cause internal stresses and weaknesses in the ultimate product.

Abstract: Aesthetically attractive, free standing dispensers for the controlled release of volatile liquid materials such as perfumes and fragrances into the atmosphere consist essentially of composite hydrogels comprising a continuous phase of a solubilized polyvinyl alcohol, a dispersed phase comprising a polyelectrolyte and an aqueous solution of the volatile liquid that is distributed between said continuous and dispersed phases. The exterior surfaces of the dispenser remain dry to the touch throughout its useful life.

Abstract: Aesthetically attractive, free standing dispensers for the controlled release of volatile liquid materials such as perfumes and fragrances into the atmosphere are prepared by (1) forming a first solution by heating a mixture comprising polyvinyl alcohol and water and/or dimethyl sulfoxide under atmospheric pressure, (2) adding a second solution comprising a volatile liquid material and a monohydric alcohol in a solvent that is miscible with the first solution under conditions that avoid precipitation of polyvinyl alcohol, and then (3) cooling the resultant solution to below room temperature to form a gel in the shape of the final dispenser. The exterior surfaces of the dispenser remainds dry to the touch throughout its useful life.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the density of silicone foam resulting from the generation of hydrogen gas by employing a hydride polysiloxane in the form of a mixture of linear hydride polysiloxane and cyclic hydride polysiloxane. Aqueous methanol is also found to be an effective density-reducing agent.

Abstract: Low viscosity elastomeric silicone foam compositions are produced which do not bleed, split or rupture with cure where viscosity is controlled by controlling the content of the vinyl containing polysiloxane portion of the foam.

Abstract: A biodegradable packaging material comprising an expanded high amylose starch product having at least 45% by weight amylose content, said expanded product having a low density, closed cell structure with good resilience and compressibility.Another embodiment provides a method of preparing a low density, biodegradable packaging material comprising extruding a starch having at least 45% by weight amylose content, in the presence of a total moisture content of 21% or less by weight, at a temperature of from 150.degree. to 250.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for packaging a product, particulary one with sharp protrusions, a composition for cushioning the sharp protrusions during packaging and a foamed material prepared therefore, the process including the steps of applying a foamed composition to the product to be packaged; and encasing the product in an outer package. The foamed material can be applied in liquid or semiliquid form at a point-of-contact temperature less than about 130.degree. F. and solidifies substantially on contact. The foamed material is, preferably, applied selectively to cover the sharp protrusions and contains a chemical substrate containing a polymer having the general formula, a resin and a stabilizer. A suitable gas is encapsulated therein. The process, composition and foamed material have particular utility in the meat-packing industry.

Abstract: Thermosetting fluoropolymer foams are made by mixing fluid form thermosetting fluoropolymer components having a substantial fluorine content, placing the mixture in a pressure tight chamber, filling the chamber with a gas, at relatively low pressure, that is unreactive with the fluoropolymer components, allowing the mixture to gel, removing the gelled fluoropolymer from the chamber and thereafter heating the fluoropolymer at a relatively low temperature to simultaneously cure and foam the fluoropolymer. The resulting fluoropolymer product is closed celled with the cells storing the gas employed for foaming. The fluoropolymer resins employed may be any thermosetting fluoropolymer including fluoroepoxies, fluoropolyurethanes and fluoroacrylates.

Abstract: A multicolored foam product and a method for the preparation thereof. Heat-plastified foamable gel of a thermoplastic resin or resins containing blowing agents are combined with different coloring materials added sequentially and extruded through an orifice of a die which is extended in length to facilitate laminar flow in the resin. This resin is expanded to form a multicolored layered foam product, such as multicolored foam planking, in a single extrusion. Multicolored foam planking produced is suitable for use as the body material for surfboards, body boards, and other recreational products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coagulable composition, to a process for the preparation of a coagulated material by impregnating a textile cloth in an impregnating bath containing the coagulable composition followed by coagulation in a coagulating bath and to the resulting coagulated material.The process of the invention is characterized in that the coagulation is carried out from the water phase, and the impregnating bath contains a chemical or physical foaming agent, wherein foaming occurs simultaneously with the coagulation or immediately thereafter.It is surprisingly found that according to the present invention a high quality coagulated material is obtained, having properties comparable with the coagulated material obtained according to conventional solvent based processes.

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: Viscous liquids containing polymeric materials which will interact with one another upon contact and generate gas for foam expansion are intimately and homogeneously mixed in a very short period of time by passing them successively and continuously through first and second rotary dynamic shearing mixers, the first mixer being considerably smaller than the second mixer, and the mixture experiencing a brief period of respite from shearing between the two mixers. The mixture experiences a much higher degree of shear in the first mixer, where the heat necessary for promoting the reaction is provided through the shearing action but without creating localized hot-spots. The process is particularly well suited for the preparation of foamed polydiorganosiloxanes, on a continuous, commercial scale.

Abstract: An electrically conductive polymer composite comprising a porous body of polymer A containing interconnected cavities, and polymer B containing an electrically conductive filler and filling the cavities of the porous body. This polymer composite can be made by filling the cavities of the porous body with a liquid monomer, monomer mixture or prepolymer and then polymerizing or cross-linking it to yield polymer B in solid form. The polymer composite has excellent mechanical properties and high electrical conductivity and, therefore, is suitable for use as an electrically conductive material, electromagnetic wave shielding material, heating element and antistatic material.

Abstract: A noise-reducing foam member for prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation without degradation consists essentially of a major proportion of a room-temperature silicone rubber foaming material and minor proportions of a room-temperature foaming curing agent and at least two and preferably three ultraviolet stabilizing materials selected from the group consisting of carbon black, cerium oxide, 2(2'-hydroxy-3',5'-di-tert-amylphenyl) benzotriazole and zinc oxide.The foam member is made by mixing together suitable quantities of the silicone rubber foaming material, the ultraviolet stabilizing materials and the curing agent. The mixture is then cured to provide the foam member.

Abstract: Silicone foams are provided which have increased tensile strength as the result of using an effective amount of a silicone polyimide block copolymer having chemically combined organovinylsiloxy units in the silicone block.

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: Amine compounds are added to foamable elastomeric silicone foam to reduce foam density.

Abstract: Treated filler having surface nitrogen groups is added to silicone foam to reduce density.

Abstract: Silicone flexible foams of good fire-resistance and extremely low density from about 5 to 14 lbs/ft..sup.3, having good mechanical and physical properties, are provided. The curable and foamable compositions are prepared from a multi-component mixture comprising, as part A, a high molecular weight uncured vinyl-terminated siloxane polymer, a polydimethyl silanol terminated reactive diluent, and an inorganic filler to improve fire resistance, water and a complex platinum catalyst, and as part B, a polydimethyl hydrogen siloxane. The viscosity of part A of the mixture prior to gelling and foaming is from about 30,000-65,000 cps. This mixture becomes foamable and curable at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A high pressure mixing head for mixing reactive components in reaction injection molding includes a mixing chamber discharging into a quieting chamber and an injection valve for injecting reactive component into the mixing chamber. Recirculation passages for the reactive component are provided in the mixing chamber and internally of the injection valve. The recirculation passage internally of the injection valve is selectably opened and closed as is the outlet from the injection valve into the mixing chamber. Both the injection valve outlet and the recirculation passage internally of the injection valve are selectably throttleable.