Abstract: A slurry 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, affording a slurry. The slurry is then brought to a temperature in the range of about 40.degree. C. to about 105.degree. C., producing a homogeneous, transparent solution, opaque suspension, or melt. When heated to a higher temperature the melt foams and cures.

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: Absorbent polymeric macrostructures that are porous and comprise an interparticle crosslinked aggregate having a circumscribed dry volume greater than about 10.0 mm.sup.3. The interparticle crosslinked aggregate comprises a multiplicity of precursor particles of substantially water-insoluble, absorbent, hydrogel-forming, polymer material; and an interparticle crosslinking agent reacted with the polymer material of the precursor particles to form crosslink bonds between the precursor particles. Because of the particulate nature of the precursor particles, the macrostructure has pores between adjacent precursor particles. The pores are interconnected by intercommunicating channels such that the macrostructure is liquid permeable.

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

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: 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: 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: An extruded synthetic resin foam comprises a cell structure of substantially two different cell sizes, the smaller size being not more than about 0.25 mm while the other size is from about 0.4 to about 1 mm. The cells are dispersed in an island in the sea manner. A foam such as a styrenic foam is produced by forming a mixture of synthetic resin, a fine mineral powder having hydroxyl groups, and a cell controlling agent, incorporating a volatile foaming agent and extruding the mixture to form a foam. The powder has a particle size of not more than 1000 nm and may be a silica having silanol groups.

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: An activator useful in combination with a primary chemical blowing agent in foaming polymer resins comprises an activator and a metal soap dispersed in a polymeric carrier resin. The metal soap is present in an effective amount to disperse the activator throughout the carrier resin.

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 surface thereof.

Abstract: Fire-retardant expandable vinyl aromatic polymer beads are prepared by an aqueous suspension method whereby a bromophenyl allyl ether fire-retardant agent and a volatile aliphatic hydrocarbon foaming agents are incorporated into particles of a thermoplastic such as polystyrene. The beads are useful in the preparation of molded foam articles having excellent resistance to flame.

Abstract: Rigid foam is produced without using fluorocarbons as a foaming agent by ing an oligomer mixture of monomer and dimers to heximers, flame retardant, nitrogen liberating catalysts, cell regulating agents, foam stabilizer and foam regulator, crosslinking agents and wetting agent, preheating the mixture, and pouring the mixture into a mold, keeping the temperature at a value from 50.degree. to 70.degree. C. and upon completed polymerization removing the product from the mold.

Abstract: An improved process for producing sulfur-cured polyphosphazene foams is disclosed. The process comprises foaming more than one storable, stable accelerator base composition comprising the sulfur curing agent, a phosphazene oil and a polyphosphazene. A masterbatch of the same or similar polyphosphazene is made by mixing together a hydrated filler, processing aids and phosphazene oil. The matchbatch and accelerator base composition are then blended and foamed and cured.

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: 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: 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.degree. C. in combustion 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 method of introducing flame retardants into expandable vinyl aromatic polymer beads made in a one-step process is disclosed. Flame retardants with good solubility in blowing agents are introduced after monomer conversion is substantially complete, resulting in vinyl aromatic polymer beads with low residual monomer content.

Abstract: A hole repair method and composition suitable for mufflers, and engine exhaust systems, and any situation where high temperature resistance is needed. A putty like mass of polyimide resin and from 28% to 35% of low boiling alcohol is used to fill the hole, then foamed by heating into a mechanically seated and adherent plug which is high temperature resistant and securely in place.

Abstract: Certain organobromines are added to blends of polyphenylene ether and alkenyl aromatic polymer to reduce mold cool time of the composition. These organobromines also reduce residual blowing agent in the composition after expansion and especially following molding of the composition.

Abstract: An aqueous foamable membrane-forming composition comprised of a water dispersible polymeric latex, preferably styrene-butadiene latex, and an alkyl ether sulfate surface active agent. The composition desirably contains a alcohol having 12 to 14 carbon atoms, an acrylic acid polymer viscosity modifying agent and powdered carbon. Compositions of the invention in dilute aqueous form can be foamed and deposited on a surface to be covered, such as a landfill. Upon standing, the foam develops into a substantially stable, weather resistent membrane.

Abstract: An extruded synthetic resin foam comprises a cell structure of substantially two different cell sizes, the smaller size being not more than about 0.25 mm while the other size is from about 0.4 to about 1 mm. The cells are dispersed in an island in the sea manner. A foam such as a styrenic foam is produced by forming a mixture of synthetic resin, a fine mineral powder having hydroxyl groups, and a cell controlling agent, incorporating a volatile foaming agent and extruding the mixture to form a foam. The powder has a particle size of not more than 100 nm and may be a silica having silanol groups.

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: The invention provides a foamable silicon rubber composition capable of giving a foamed and cured silicone rubber body which exhibits, different from conventional foamed silicone rubbers, a retarded and controlled rate of elastic recoverty from a compressed state when the compressive force is released so as to be useful for certain applications. This unique characteristic of the foamed silicon rubber can be obtained by formulating the composition, besides conventional ingredients, a low molecular-weight organopolysiloxane represented by the general formula HO--(--SiR.sup.1.sub.2 --O--).sub.m --(--SiMe.sub.2 --O--).sub.n --H, in which Me is a methyl group, R.sup.1 is an unsubstituted or substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, at least one of the groups denoted by R.sup.1 in each of the units of the formula --SiR.sup.1.sub.

Abstract: The invention is a composition useful for the preparation of POWADIR membranes of a bisphenol-based polycarbonate wherein at least 25 percent by weight of the bisphenol moieties are tetrahalogenated, wherein the halogen is Cl or Br, the composition comprising (i) a bisphenol-based polycarbonate wherein at least 25 percent by weight of the bisphenol moieties are tetrahalogenated, wherein the halogen is Cl or Br, (ii) a solvent for such polycarbonate, and (iii) a non-solvent for such polycarbonate. The composition is useful for extruding membranes wherein the membranes formed are POWADIR membranes with a discriminating region capable of separating oxygen from nitrogen.The composition of this invention allows the formation of membranes with excellent physical properties, good separation factors for oxygen and nitrogen, with excellent fluxes.

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: The invention relates to the preparation of closed cell phenolic resin foams produced from compositions of phenol-aldehyde resole resins, and the foam products thus prepared. More particularly the present invention relates to the preparation of phenolic resin foams by a method employing a novel modified phenolic foam catalyst. The invention also relates to these modified phenolic foam catalysts which include an aromatic sulphonic acid and resorcinol.

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: The present invention deals with a novel blowing agent masterbatch for the preparation of polystyrene foams, comprising:(a) 30 to 80 weight percent of a plasticizer-containing polystyrene having a Vicat softening temperature between 30.degree. and 50.degree. C.;(b) 20 to 70 weight percent of blowing agent based on solid organic acids and alkali metal (bi) carbonates; and optionally(c) 10 to 20 weight percent of cell regulators.

Abstract: A storage stable aqueous dispersion useful in the curing and foaming of unsaturated polyester resins comprising an aromatic diacyl peroxide, an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate, dispersion-stabilizing amount of magnesium aluminum silicate and an alkali metal carboxymethyl cellulose, glycerol and water. As an optional component this composition can also contain an anionic dispersing agent. Also disclosed is the preparation of foamed polyester resins using the dispersion.

Abstract: Polyvinyl acetate/allyl alcohol copolymers uniformly dispersible in or miscible with polyether and polyester polyols and useful in preparing urethane foams.

Abstract: A hole repair method and composition suitable for mufflers, and engine exhaust systems, and any situation where high temperature resistance is needed. A putty like mass of polyimide resin and from 28% to 35% of low boiling alcohol is used to fill the hole, then foamed by heating into a mechnically seated and adherent plug which is high temperature resistant and securely in place.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foamable organopolysiloxane composition which comprises an organopolysiloxane base polymer containing a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane, organohydroxypolysiloxane, and organohydrogenpolysiloxane, and a specific siloxane copolymer containing an alkenyloxysilyl group. The composition readily foams and cures at room temperature to give a silicone rubber foam of high strength, which is useful as a filler and sealant for buildings.

Abstract: Certain organobromines are added to blends of polyphenylene ether and alkenyl aromatic polymer to reduce mold cool time of the composition. These organobromines also reduce residual blowing agent in the composition after expansion and especially following molding of the composition.

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 storage stable aqueous dispersion useful in the curing and foaming of unsaturated polyester resins comprising an aromatic diacyl peroxide, an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate, dispersion-stabilizing amount of magnesium aluminum silicate and an alkali metal carboxymethyl cellulose, glycerol and water. As an optional component this composition can also contain an anionic dispersing agent. Also disclosed is the preparation of foamed polyester resins using the dispersion.

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: 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: The invention relates to the preparation of closed cell phenolic resin foams produced from compositions of phenol-aldehyde resole resins, and the foam products thus prepared. More particularly the present invention relates to the preparation of phenolic resin foams by a method employing a novel modified phenolic foam catalyst. The invention also relates to these modified phenolic foam catalysts which include an aromatic sulphonic acid and resorcinol.

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: The invention relates to compositions comprising (A) polydiorganosiloxanes containing vinyl groups, (B) polyorganohydrogensiloxanes, (C) platinum catalysts, and (D) a saturated polyhydric alcohol having at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule, which can be cured at temperatures of from room temperature to over 100.degree. C. by the addition of the Si-bonded H atoms in the polyorganohydrogensiloxane (B) to the vinyl groups in the polydiorganosiloxanes (A) with the aid of the platinum catalysts (C), to form elastomeric foams. The density and type of pores may be controlled by compound (D) containing hydroxyl groups as a "blowing agent".

Abstract: The present invention relates to expandable and expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particles having the ability to use a decreased amount of blowing agent to produce an expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particle of an equivalent bulk density or the same amount of blowing agent to produce an expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particle having a decreased bulk density by including a density modifier in the expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer particle in an amount of about 0.005 to 0.5 weight percent by weight of the total mixture. Also included as part of the invention are methods of making the expandable and expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particles wherein the expandable and expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particles have a density modifier included in an amount of about 0.005 percent to about 0.5 weight percent by weight of the total mixture.

Abstract: Silicone foams having a reduced density can be made by cooling the foam components of vinyl-terminated polydiorganosiloxane, methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, hydroxylated material, such as water and platinum catalysts, and mixing and maintaining the foamable mixture at a temperature of less than 5.degree. C.

Abstract: Polyurethane-backed textiles are prepared from a polyurethane-forming composition employing a polyether polyol having an equivalent weight of at least about 1000, a specified functionality and an internal poly(ethylene oxide) block or a terminal ethylene oxide end cap of at least about 15% by weight. The use of these polyether polyols provides a particularly desirable combination of processing and physical characteristics.

Abstract: Foamed resinous products having excellent fire resistance, high thermal insulation and good resistance to heat are obtained at temperatures as low as room temperature and without the need for an added blowing agent by forming a mixture of a phenolic resole having a specified reactivity, an acid hardener for the resole and, uniformly dispersed through the mixture of resole and hardener, at least 20% by weight of a finely divided inert and insoluble particulate solid; products capable of being employed as wood-substitutes are obtained when a dihydric compound is included in the mixture and the solid is talc, fly ash and/or a hydraulic cement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expandable and expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particles having the ability to use a decreased amount of blowing agent to produce an expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particle of an equivalent bulk density or the same amount of blowing agent to produce an expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particle having a decreased bulk density by including a density modifier in the expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer particle in an amount of about 0.005 to 0.5 weight percent by weight of the total mixture. Also included as part of the invention are methods of making the expandable and expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particles wherein the expandable and expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particles have a density modifier included in an amount of about 0.005 percent to about 0.5 weight percent by weight of the total mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to organomineral products of high strength obtainable by reacting a polyisocyanate in an aqueous alkali silicate solution in the presence of a catalyst prompting the trimerization of the polyisocyanate. In preparing them, the catalyst is used in an amount of 5.5 to 14.5 mmole per mole of NCO groups in the reaction mixture. The organomineral products of the invention are suitable as construction, coating, sealing or insulating materials or as putty or adhesives.