Abstract: A method for lowering the melt flow rate of flame retardant expanded polystyrene is provided. The method comprises treating the flame retardant expanded polystyrene with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. In another aspect of the present invention a method for pelletizing recycled flame retardant expanded polystyrene is provided. The method comprises treating ground flame retardant polystyrene in an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate; condensing the treated polystyrene; extruding the polystyrene; and pelletizing the polystyrene. In another aspect of the present invention the electrostatic build-up on polystyrene is reduced by contacting the polystyrene with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: Silicone foams having low density and small cell size are prepared by blending a mixture of at least one polyorganosiloxane having vinyl groups attached to silicon, at least one hydride polysiloxane, a mixture of at least one monohydroxyaliphatic compound and at least one dihydroxyaliphatic compound each of which contains at least 5 carbon atoms in an equivalent ratio in the range of about 1.5-4.0:1, water, a platinum group catalyst and a filler. Said mixture comprises at least about 5% of the combination of silica and silicon-containing compounds having a high proportion of Q units.

Abstract: Flexible, porous, absorbent polymeric macrostructures having flexibility even after extended periods at elevated temperatures and/or low humidities are disclosed. The macrostructure comprises an interparticle crosslinked aggregate and an effective amount of a suitable plasticizer. The macrostructures are suitable for use, for example, in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers.

Abstract: The presence in foamable, curable organosiloxane compositions of a hydrogenated glyceride of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid imparts sufficient thixotropy to the uncured composition to inhibit flow without adversely affecting desirable properties of the cured foam such as density and texture.

Abstract: Substantially constant boiling blowing agent compositions of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and dimethyl ether.

Abstract: A porous structure of a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymeric material which porous structure possesses improved free swell capacity and is able to demonstrate said improved free swell capacity when in contact with an absorbent material such as a cellulosic fibrous web. Also disclosed is a method of making such a porous polymeric structure. The method comprising the steps of forming an oil-in-water suspension, wherein the water phase contains a water-soluble monomer and a crosslinking agent and the oil phase is a volatile organic compound having a boiling point greater than the boiling point of water. The monomer present in the water phase is polymerized to form a polymeric material having dispersed therein the oil phase. The resultant polymeric material is then dried at a temperature above the boiling point of water, such that the volatile organic compound volatilizes thereby forming pores in the polymeric material, which pores have a diameter of at least about 20 microns.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compatibilized carbon black useful in melt processing of plastic material. The carbon black is coated with a compatibilizing agent which enhances the dispersibility of the carbon black in a melt of the plastic material. Further disclosed are processes for making plastic foam structures with the compatibilized carbon black.

Abstract: A water-permeable and fire-resistant product and the preparing method thereof is disclosed. The waterpermeable and fire-resistant product is made of a fabric layer and a purous film adhered thereon. The porous film of this invention comprises polyurethane resin; a first fire-resistant agent; a second fire-resistant agent, an inorganic fire-resistant agent and an additive agent. The first fire-resistant agent used is selected from the group consisting of paraffine chlorinated, decabromodiphenyl oxide, hexachloro benzene, hexabromo benzene, pentabromo ethyl benzene, pentabromo diphenyl oxide and octabromo diphenyl ether. The second fire-resistant agent used is selected from the group consisting of Sb2O3 and Sb2O5. The surface of the product produced is smooth.

Abstract: Flexible, porous, absorbent polymeric macrostructures having flexibility even after extended periods at elevated temperatures and/or low humidities are disclosed. The macrostructure comprises an interparticle crosslinked aggregate and an effective amount of a suitable plasticizer. The macrostructures are suitable for use, for example, in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers.

Abstract: Normally hydrophobic foams, such as polyurethane foams and polymerized water-in-oil emulsion foams, are rendered hydrophilic by means of treatment with simple surfactants and hydrophilizing agent salts. Thus, a surfactant-containing foam is treated with a solution of, for example, calcium chloride, and is dried to leave a substantially uniformly distributed residue of hydrated or hydratable calcium chloride on the surfactant-containing internal foam surfaces. In-use, the combination of surfactant and calcium chloride hydrate provides a hydrophilic surface to the foam. Other hydratable calcium or magnesium salts such as magnesium chloride can be used. The resulting hydrophilized foams are suitable for use in absorbent devices, including diapers, sanitary napkins, bandages, and the like.

Abstract: Perfluorotripentylamine, perfluoropolyether or another such high-boiling liquid is added as a foaming agent to a thermoplastic fluororesin such as a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer resin or a tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer resin. Because the vapor pressure of said foaming agent in the molten fluororesin is lower than that of Freon or another such low-boiling foaming agent, the cells in the foam can be made fine and uniform in diameter.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing a synthetic resin foam composed of cells having substantially two sizes, one of the sizes being at most 0.3 mm and the other size as being 0.4 to 1 mm, comprising the steps of:forming a mixture of one or more of a water-absorbent high molecular compound, a cell-controlling agent, a synthetic resin, and water; melting the mixture with heating; incorporating a volatile type foaming agent into the mixture under pressure; and extruding the mixture into a lower pressure space to form a foam.

Abstract: Compositions for producing foamed products which include additives and blowing agents which cause the surface treatment additives to migrate to the surfaces of foamed products. The products produced from the compositions require less additives because the incorporated additives are concentrated at the surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A method for lowering the melt flow rate of flame retardant expanded polystyrene is provided. The method comprises treating the flame retardant expanded polystyrene with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. In another aspect of the present invention a method for pelletizing recycled flame retardant expanded polystyrene is provided. The method comprises treating ground flame retardant polystyrene in an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate; condensing the treated polystyrene; extruding the polystyrene; and pelletizing the polystyrene. In another aspect of the present invention the electrostatic build-up on polystyrene is reduced by contacting the polystyrene with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making extruded, closed-cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters. The process comprises: a) heating an alkenyl aromatic polymer material having greater than 50 percent by weight alkenyl aromatic monomeric units to form a melt polymer material; b) incorporating into the melt polymer material at an elevated pressure a blowing agent comprising at least 50 percent by weight 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a) based upon the total weight of the blowing agent to form a foamable gel; c) cooling the foamable gel to an optimum foaming temperature prior to extrusion through a die; and d) extruding the foamable gel through a die to form the foam structure. Further disclosed is a foamable gel capable of forming an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters.

Abstract: A continuous process for the preparation of an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer having an NCO content in the range from 2 to 15% by weight, said process comprising the steps of:(A) continuously delivering to a reaction zone an organic polyisocyanate composition and an isocyanate reactive compound having an average molecular weight of at least 1000 the relative proportions of isocyanate composition and isocyanate reactive compound being appropriate for the formation of a prepolymer having an NCO content in the indicated range;(B) allowing the isocyanate composition and the isocyanate reactive compound to react in the reaction zone to form an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer, and(C) continuously removing the prepolymer from the reaction zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making extruded, closed-cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters. The process comprises: a) heating an alkenyl aromatic polymer material having greater than 50 percent by weight alkenyl aromatic monomeric units to form a melt polymer material; b) incorporating into the melt polymer material at an elevated pressure a blowing agent comprising at least 50 percent by weight 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a) based upon the total weight of the blowing agent to form a foamable gel; c) cooling the foamable gel to an optimum foaming temperature prior to extrusion through a die; and d) extruding the foamable gel through a die to form the foam structure. Further disclosed is a foamable gel capable of forming an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters.

Abstract: Low density styrene polymer foams having highly desirable physical properties are prepared employing as a blowing agent a mixture of carbon dioxide, lower alcohol and water. The cell size can be effectively controlled by controlling the amount of water in the blowing agent mixture, i.e., small cell or large cell foams can be prepared. A process for preparing such foams is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a polymeric foam which comprises vaporising a fluorine-containing ether in the presence of a foamable polymer or the precursors of a foamable polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breathable, plastic film, useful as a wall covering material. A low boiling additive, such as water, is added to a plastisol before extrusion. During extrusion and curing of the plastisol into a film or coating, the low boiling additive is volatilized and the resulting evolved gas perforates the forming film. In this manner a permeable plastic film, such as vinyl, is produced.

Abstract: The improved adhesion is provided by incorporating into an adhesive and/or sealant plastic material an effective amount of cyclodextrin or a complex of cyclodextrin and blowing agent. Where the complex of cyclodextrin and blowing agent is employed, an expandable mixture is formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to expandable styrene polymers containinga) a styrene polymer,b) and at least one carbon dioxide absorber, mixed or copolymerized with the above, in an amount of from 0.01 to 50% by weight, based on the sum of a) and b), andc) a blowing agent or blowing agent mixture in an amount of from 0.5 to 12% by weight,where the blowing agent or blowing agent mixture comprisesc.sub.1) from 10 to 100% by weight of carbon dioxide andc.sub.2) from 0 to 90% by weight of at least one further blowing agent.The invention furthermore relates to the styrene polymers containing a carbon dioxide absorber, to the styrene polymer foams obtainable from the expandable styrene polymers, and to an improved process for impregnating styrene polymers with carbon dioxide-containing blowing agents or blowing agent mixtures.

Abstract: An expandable vinyl chloride resin composition comprising, as main components, a vinyl chloride polymer composed mainly of vinyl chloride obtained by emulsion polymerization or fine suspension polymerization of a vinyl chloride monomer and a vinyl comonomer having a hydroxyl group or a carboxyl group, a plasticizer, a chemical blowing agent and a crosslinking agent, wherein said crosslinking agent is:(1) a combination of an alkylphenol-blocked polyisocyanate and an .epsilon.-caprolactam-blocked polyisocyanate, or(2) a polyisocyanate randomly blocked by an alkyl phenol and .epsilon.-caprolactam.

Abstract: Blowing agent compositions for use in the production of peroxide cross-linked polyethylene foams. The improved properties and a process for the production of such foams are described.

Abstract: Low density styrene polymer foams having highly desirable physical properties are prepared employing as a blowing agent a mixture of carbon dioxide, lower alcohol and water. The cell size can be effectively controlled by controlling the amount of water in the blowing agent mixture, i.e., small cell or large cell foams can be prepared. A process for preparing such foams is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making extruded, closed-cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters. The process comprises: a) heating an alkenyl aromatic polymer material having greater than 50 percent by weight alkenyl aromatic monomeric units to form a melt polymer material: b) incorporating into the melt polymer material at an elevated pressure a blowing agent comprising at least 50 percent by weight 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a) based upon the total weight of the blowing agent to form a foamable gel: c) cooling the foamable gel to an optimum foaming temperature prior to extrusion through a die: and d) extruding the foamable gel through a die to form the foam structure. Further disclosed is a foamable gel capable of forming an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters.

Abstract: Polyimide foam of desired density is produced by adding to a polyimide precursor comprising carboxylic and diamine components at least one foam-enhancing polar, protic additive of the formula ROH, where R is hydrogen, or C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 linear or branched alkyl or cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted with halo, aryl, alkoxy or hydroxy, and heating the resultant slurry to a temperature that does not exceed about 105.degree. C. to form a homogeneous melt. When heated to a higher temperature the melt foams and cures. The density of the foam is affected by the amount of foam-enhancing additive which is utilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a highstrength a furan stone with high permeability and filtering effect mainly for protecting deep-drilled wells yielding mineral oil, natural gas and water against getting choked by sand. A mixture comprising an artificial resin as a binding material containing a catalyzer for controlling duration of binding and pumpability and an assorted granular material of high-strength forming the skeleton and salt filling and increasing pore spaces is homogenized and pumped into the corresponding producing section of the well into the area to be protected. After hardening of the mixture salt is dissolved from the obtained artificial stone and a filtering effect is achieved without binding the grains of the reservoir rock. Due to the mechanical characteristics and controlled porosity of the obtained artificial stone rock-parts, mainly sand delivered by the yielded fluidum into the well will be retained.

Abstract: A room temperature vulcanizable, foamable polysiloxane composition is described, which comprises:(A) a specific type of .alpha., .omega.-dihydroxyorganopolysiloxane which has a surface tension of not lower than 22 dynes/cm at 25.degree. C.;(B) a specific type of organopolyhydroxypolysiloxane;(C) a polyorganohydrogensiloxane which has at least two units of the following general formula in one moleculeR.sup.5.sub.a H.sub.b SiO.sub.(4-(a+b))/2wherein R.sup.5 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group except for aliphatic unsaturated hydrocarbon group, a is an integer of 0 to 2, and b is an integer of from 0 to 3 provided that the total of a+b is an integer of from 1 to 3;(D) an unsubstituted or substituted alcohol having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; and(E) a platinum catalyst.The composition has a high degree of foaming and the foamed product obtained from the composition has good foaming stability and good tensile strength.

Abstract: A foamable silicone rubber composition comprising (A) a diorganopolysiloxane having a viscosity of at least 10.sup.6 cs at 25.degree. C., (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane, (C) a platinum catalyst, (D) azodicarbonamide foaming agent, and (E) an acetylenic alcohol reaction controlling agent is foamed and cured, preferably through UHF vulcanization, into silicone rubber sponge. The sponge having satisfactory strength and foam properties is obtained without a hygienic problem.

Abstract: Starch-based biodegradable packaging fillers are provided which have high volumes, low weights, and excellent compressibility and resiliency properties. The products of the invention are fabricated by extrusion of a starch substrate, most preferably normal wheat starch, in the presence of minor amounts of a polyalkylene glycol or derivative thereof and/or a particulate bubble-nucleating agent. Effective biodegradable packaging fillers can thus be fabricated without the use of expensive modified starch substrates; however, such substrates can also be employed if desired, and the additives of the invention improve these products as well. In preferred production procedures, the additives are mixed with the starch substrate, and the mixture is preconditioned and then extruded through a twin screw extruder.

Abstract: A lightly crosslinked polymer foam and a process for its production, wherein the crosslinking occurs in the extruder, which comprises melt processing an olefinic polymer, with a volatile blowing agent, a free-radical generating peroxide as a crosslinking agent, and an antioxidant as a countervailing agent.

Abstract: A closed cell, rigid, polymer foam comprising the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and an isocyanatereactive 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: Stable, emission-free, low-shrinkage, fireproof aminoplastic cellular foams are obtained by using an unsaturated, halogenated polyalcohol in the resin precondensate constituent and a dodecylbenzolsulphonic acid partially esterified preferably with a fatty alcohol and a long-chain polyhydric alcohol, preferably a polyethylene glycol, in the foaming agent hardener consituent. The foams are particularly suitable for building construction and for covering, as well as in the agricultural sector and or oil absorption. For certain of these applications, the resin pre-condensate constituent of the invention can be processed with a conventional foamer hardener constituent or the foamer hardener constituent of the invention can be processed with a conventional resin precondensate constituent.

Abstract: A foamable composition comprising an alkenyl aromatic polymer, blowing agent and a transient foam control agent that is effective to reduce polymer melt viscosity in the melt phase but nonmiscible and nondetrimental to the solid polymer.

Abstract: This invention proposes to employ a mixture of dimethyl ether and of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane as refrigerant fluids to replace chlorofluorocarbons.These compounds form an azeotrope which, at its normal boiling point (approximately -22.4.degree. C. at 1.013 bar), contains approximately 62.3 mass % of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.The mixture according to the invention can also be employed as aerosol propellant or as blowing agent for plastic foams.

Abstract: A foamable composition comprising an alkenyl aromatic polymer, blowing agent and a transient foam control agent that is effective to reduce polymer melt viscosity in the melt phase but nonmiscible and nondetrimental to the solid polymer.

Abstract: Starch-based biodegradable packaging fillers are provided which have high volumes, low weights, and excellent compressibility and resiliency properties. The products of the invention are fabricted by extrusion of a starch substrate, most preferably normal wheat starch, in the presence of minor amounts of a polyalkylene glycol or derivative thereof and/or a particulate bubble-nucleating agent. Effective biodegradable packaging fillers can thus be fabricated without the use of expensive modified starch substrates; however, such substrates can also be employed if desired, and the additives of the invention improve these products as well. In preferred production procedures, the additives are mixed with the starch substrate, and the mixture is preconditioned and then extruded through a twin screw extruder.

Abstract: Foam sheets of high compressive strength are produced by extruding a mixture of a styrene polymer and from 5 to 16% by weight of a blowing agent mixture containinga) from 3 to 70% by weight of an alcohol or ketone having a boiling point of from 56.degree. to 100.degree. C.,b) from 5 to 50% by weight of carbon dioxide andc) from 0 to 90% by weight of a saturated C.sub.3 - to C.sub.5 -hydrocarbon and/or of a hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon or fluorinated hydrocarbon boiling at from -30.degree. to +30.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of making a foamed polymer article by injection molding, using a foaming agent that evolves minimal water and does not form byproducts which could pit or chalk the polymer surface. The foaming agent contains sodium borohydride in an amount from 0.01 weight percent of the polymer to be foamed, and a polyhydric alcohol such as six-carbon mannitor as an activator to react with the sodium borohydride and produce hydrogen gas. Boric acid can be included with the alcohol. the sodium borohydride is kept separated from the other reactive components such as by encapsulation until gas production is desired when the polymer is heated and molded.

Abstract: Compositions and a process for manufacture are provided for synthetic polymer-propellant systems that form cohesive foamed structures from which aqueous solutions can be expressed, where the useful temperature range over which these structures form is broadened by using a propellant mixture consisting predominantly of a propellant that is a poor solvent for the polymer and has a vapor pressure in the range of 10-35 psig at 20 C in combination with a small amount of a propellant that is a good solvent for the polymer; and where these coherent foamed structures can be formed even with aqueous solutions containing 0 to about 30% alcohol, provided that insoluble fine-particle solids that do not pack and become difficult to redisperse are included in the composition.

Abstract: A flame retardant composition and process which is particularly useful for rebonded foam products. The composition of the present invention includes a solid component of magnesium sulfate, boric acid, decabromodiphenylethylene oxide (DECA) and antimony trioxide and a liquid component of halogenated phosphorous. The present invention is based upon the discovery of the synergism between boric acid and DECA. The process, according to the present invention, includes the steps of forming a dispersion of the solid portion of the flame retardant composition along with a small amount of water based adhesive to a mass of foam chips. The treated chips are then dried to permit handling and storage. The dried foam chips subsequently are mixed with a conventional urethane prepolymer binder and the liquid halogenated phosphorous flame retardant compound. After mixing the foam mass is transferred to molds and steamed to allow the binder to cure.

Abstract: Flame retardant vinylaromatic thermoplastic resin compositions are provided comprising 100 parts vinylaromatic polymer, 0.1 to 2.0 parts of at least one brominated aliphatic compound, 0.5 to 3.0 parts of at least one other and different brominated organic compound having a higher volatilization temperature and greater heat stability than said brominated aliphatic compound and from 0.05 to 5 parts of at least one melt flow promoter.

Abstract: HCFC blowing agents such as 141b which are stabilized with alpha-pinene oxide, limonene dioxide, or 1,2-hexadecene oxide.

Abstract: A non-toxic chlorine and fluorine free solvent can be used as the major component in a carrying agent for PVC foam products made in a hot mold process.

Abstract: A multi-component foamable silicone composition is described and claimed which is capable of curing quickly at 20.degree. C. to provide a low density foamed mass. The composition comprises (A) one or more polydiorganosiloxanes having not less than three alkyl-hydrogensiloxane units per molecule, (B) one or more polydiorganosiloxanes having not less than two alkenyl-siloxane units (C) a liquid alcohol, (D) a fluorinated silicone foam stabilizing material and (E) a platinum catalyst for promoting reaction between the components. The composition may be packaged as two or more individually stable parts of substantially equal volume and viscosity each in a receptacle of material which is adapted to be opened by rupture so as to release the components for admixture. The composition is intended for use in forming a foam medical dressing by dispensing onto a surface e.g. an open wound and allowing the composition to cure at room temperature.

Abstract: A method of making a foamed polymer article by injection molding, using a foaming agent that evolves minimal water and does not form byproducts which could pit or chalk the polymer surface. The foaming agent contains sodium borohydride in an amount from 0.01 weight percent of the polymer to be foamed, and a polyhydric alcohol such as six-carbon mannitol as an activator to react with the sodium borohydride and produce hydrogen gas. Boric acid can be included with the alcohol. The sodium borohydride is kept separated from the other reactive components such as by encapsulation until gas production is desired when the polymer is heated and molded.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foamable phenolic resin composition comprising, as indispensable components, 100 parts by weight as solids of a resol type phenolic resin, 3 to 100 parts by weight of an acidic curing agent, 1 to 50 parts by weight of a blowing agent, 0.1 to 50 parts by weight of a saccharide and 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a foam stabilizer, in which a partial or complete acetylation product of a castor oil/ethylene oxide adduct having a hydroxyl value smaller than 15 mg-KOH/g, which is obtained by acetylating a castor oil/ethylene oxide adduct formed by adding 20 to 70 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of castor oil is used as the foam stabilizer and/or a resol type liquid penolic resin obtained by subjecting a phenol and an aldehyde to addition condensation reaction in the presence of a catalyst having a metal ion-forming capacity, in which the residual amount of the catalyst is smaller than 0.

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: A non-toxic chlorine and fluorine free solvent can be used as the major component in a carrying agent for PVC foam products made in a hot mold process.