Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition containing graphene and graphene nanoplatelets durably dispersed in a solvent. Said composition is characterized in that it contains at least 1% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the solvent, of a vinyl aromatic polymer and comprises a mass concentration of graphene and graphene nanoplatelets (GRS) ranging from 0.001% to 10% by weight with respect to the total weight of the solvent. The vinyl aromatic polymer present in the composition is obtained by partial or total polymerization of the relative vinyl aromatic monomer alone or mixed with up to 50% by weight of further copolymerizable monomers. The composition must satisfy the condition that the sum of the possible content of non-reacted monomers and the content of vinyl aromatic polymer formed is equal to at least 10% by weight with respect to the total weight of the solvent.

Abstract: A process for producing a three-dimensional object by selectively layer-by-layer solidification of a powdery material layer at the locations corresponding to the cross-section of the object in a respective layer by exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The powdery material comprises at least one polymer which is obtainable from its melt only in substantially amorphous or completely amorphous form, or a polyblend which is obtainable from its melt only in substantially amorphous or completely amorphous form. The powdery material has a specific melting enthalpy of at least 1 J/g.

Abstract: A thermally expandable composition that comprises at least one organic compound having at least one cyclic carbonate group as a blowing agent, at least one catalyst for the blowing agent, at least one reactive binder and at least one hardener and/or accelerator. Also provided are molded bodies containing the composition, and a method for sealing and filling hollow spaces in components, in order to strengthen or stiffen components, in particular hollow components, and for adhering movable components through use of molded bodies of this type, as well as to the use of corresponding cyclic organic carbonates as a blowing agent in thermally expandable compositions.

Abstract: Polyamide foams which do not propagate fire are obtained by mixing (i) a liquid isocyanate component which comprises at least one polyisocyanate and in which the molar ratio of aromatic isocyanate groups to the sum of aromatic and aliphatic isocyanate groups is at least 60 mol %, with (ii) at least one liquid isocyanatereactive component which comprises a reactive diluent, and the reactive diluent 10 comprises (a) a chain-extending and/or crosslinking reactive diluent selected from among aliphatic branched C24-66-polycarboxylic acids, alicyclic C24-66-polycarboxylic acids and partial esters of polycarboxylic acids having at least two unesterified carboxyl groups and/or (b) a chain-terminating reactive diluent selected from among aliphatic branched C24-66-monocarboxylic acids, alicyclic C24-66-monocarboxylic acids and partial esters of polycarboxylic acids having one unesterified carboxyl group, wherein the liquid isocyanate-reactive component comprises an aromatic C8-18-polycarboxylic acid and/or an anhydride

Abstract: A blended thermoplastic composition includes: from about 20 wt % to about 99 wt % of a thermoplastic polymer element; from about 1 wt % to about 60 wt % of a graphite-based filler element including at least about 0.01 wt % functional groups on a surface of the graphite-based filler element; from about 0.1 wt % to about 30 wt % of a functional agent element; and from about 0 to about 50 wt % of a thermally conductive and electrically insulative filler. The functional agent element includes functional groups that interact with the functional groups on the surface of the graphite-based filler element, resulting in an increase of the volume resistivity of the blended thermoplastic composition that is at least 1*102 greater than the volume resistivity of a substantially identical electrically conductive blended thermoplastic composition that does not include a functional agent element.

Abstract: A foamable composition comprising from 60 to 99.88% by weight (% wt.) of at least one poly(aryl ether sulfone), from 0.10 to 10.00% by weight (% wt.) of at least one olefinic polymer, from 0.01 to 5.00% by weight (% wt.) of at least one tetrazole compound and from 0.01 to 2.50% by weight (% wt.) of at least one additive selected from the group of titanium dioxide (TiO2), clays, talc, silicates, silica, aluminates, barites, titanates, borates, nitrides, carbon-based materials or combinations thereof, all % wt. are relative to the total weight of the composition (C). Foam materials made from said foamable compositions and articles made from said foam materials.

Abstract: An expandable pelletized material comprising A) a polymer matrix composed of A1) at least 55% by weight of polyester (based on the entirety of components A1) and A2)) with a total enthalpy of fusion of up to 60 J/g, optionally of one or more melting points in the range from 100 to 300° C. and of one or more glass transition temperatures in the range from 0 to 250° C., and A2) from 0 to 45% by weight (based on the entirety of components A1) and A2)) of one or more thermoplastic polymers different from component A1); B) a physical blowing agent component, and C) optionally further additives is suitable for producing moldable foams for use in the automobile industry, airline industry, construction industry, packaging industry, sports and leisure industry, in transport, in engineering, in lightweight construction, and/or in composite construction.

Abstract: A film that is formed from a thermoplastic composition is provided. The thermoplastic composition contains a rigid renewable polyester and a polymeric toughening additive. The toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. An increase in deformation force and elongational strain causes debonding to occur in the renewable polyester matrix at those areas located adjacent to the discrete domains. This can result in the formation of a plurality of voids adjacent to the discrete domains that can help to dissipate energy under load and increase tensile elongation. To even further increase the ability of the film to dissipate energy in this manner, the present inventors have discovered that an interphase modifier may be employed that reduces the degree of friction between the toughening additive and renewable polyester and thus reduces the stiffness (tensile modulus) of the film.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that contains a rigid renewable polyester and a polymeric toughening additive is provided. The toughening additive can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the renewable polyester. An increase in the deformation force and elongational strain causes debonding to occur in the renewable polyester matrix at those areas located adjacent to the discrete domains. This can result in the formation of a plurality of voids adjacent to the discrete domains that can help to dissipate energy under load and increase impact strength. To even further increase the ability of the composition to dissipate energy in this manner, an interphase modifier may be employed that reduces the degree of friction between the toughening additive and renewable polyester and thus enhances the degree and uniformity of debonding.

Abstract: A coated method for the preparation of a separator comprising multiple layers of glass or glass and ceramic particles for use in an electrochemical cell, an electrochemical cell comprising such a separator and the use of such an electrochemical cell. The method comprises the steps of providing a mixture of an organic polymeric material, glass or glass and ceramic particles and at least one solvent, and preparing a multilayer by phase inversion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a preparation process of a hybrid organic-inorganic material including the following successive steps: a) preparation of a neutral organosilicon sol in at least one organic solvent, b) incorporation of a doping agent into the neutral organosiliconsol, and production of a doped sol, c) incorporation into the doped sol, of an accelerating agent in order to activate the subsequent gelation of the sol, d) condensation of the sol in order to obtain a crosslinked gel, e) drying of the gel and production of a stable doped gel. and the material obtainable by such a method.

Abstract: A composition for sportswear, includes a rubber component (a) which contains an epihalohydrin rubber, a vulcanizing agent (b) in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by weight for 100 parts by weight of the rubber component (a), and a foaming agent (c) in an amount of 0.5 to 20 parts by weight therefor. The composition for sportswear is preferably includes a colorant (d).

Abstract: A novel aluminum chelate latent curing agent that can cure a glycidyl ether epoxy compound at a lower temperature and more quickly than an aluminum chelate latent curing agent produced by emulsification and interfacial polymerization of a polyfunctional isocyanate in the presence of both a radical polymerizable monomer, such as divinyl benzene, and a radical polymerization initiator, is micro-encapsulated in a core-shell form, wherein an aluminum chelate curing agent and a cationic polymerizable compound are included in a capsule formed from an interfacial polymerization product of a polyfunctional isocyanate.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for preparing a synthetic foam having present therein particles with a controlled particle distribution and the use of said foam, as well as to foams as such. Accordingly the invention is directed to a process for preparing a synthetic foam having present therein particles, wherein the distribution of said particles is controlled by the following steps of dissolving at least one synthetic polymer in one or more solvents to form a solution; contacting particles with said solution to form a polymer/particles mixture; and freeze-drying the polymer/particles mixture by: freezing the polymer/particles mixture; and subsequently subliming the one or more solvents to form a synthetic foam comprising said particles.

Abstract: A vehicle tyre includes a tread formed of a heat-expandable rubber composition when in an unvulcanized state. The composition includes: from 50 to 100 phr of a copolymer based on styrene and butadiene; optionally from 0 to 50 phr of another diene elastomer, such as a polybutadiene or natural rubber; more than 50 phr of a reinforcing filler, such as silica and/or carbon black; between 5 and 25 phr of a blowing agent, such as an azodicarbonamide compound; and between 5 and 25 phr of a heat-fusible compound having a melting point between 70° C. and 150° C., such as urea or a heat-fusible urea derivative. A total content of the blowing agent and the heat-fusible compound is greater than 15 phr. Use of the composition enables, after the tyre is vulcanized, a significant reduction in noise emitted by the tyre during running.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixtures of blowing agent-containing polymers, wax and insecticides, to coated polymer particles, to methods for producing coated polymer particles, to the use of these particles and mixtures in the production of polymer foams, to the use thereof for protecting polymer foams against infestation by insects, principally termites, and also to materials of construction and building materials produced from the insecticide-containing polymer foams.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyimide short fibers having an extremely high heat resistance, suitable for non-woven fabrics and paper, and having many branches. Specifically, disclosed are polyimide short fibers having many branches, which are produced by beating and loosening a specific foamed polyimide material. The foamed material preferably comprises a polyimide produced using 2,3,3?,4?-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid as an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid component, preferably has a glass transition temperature of 300° C. or higher, and preferably has an expansion ratio of 20 times or more.

Abstract: Crosslinked flame retardant thermoplastic elastomer gels are provided. The crosslinked flame retardant thermoplastic elastomer gels comprise a char catalyst, a char former, a maleic anhydride-modified styrene ethylene/butylene styrene polymer, and a softener oil. Methods are provided of making crosslinked flame retardant thermoplastic elastomer gels.

Abstract: A foamed resin molded product includes not less than two fluorine resins that have a different melting point from each other. One of the not less than two fluorine resins comprises a fluorine resin that has a melting point of not more than 230 degrees C. An other of the not less than two fluorine resins comprises a fluorine resin that has a melting point of not less than 40 degrees C. higher than the fluorine resin having the melting point of not more than 230 degrees C.

Abstract: To provide a highly refractory rubber composition sheet that retains a fixed shape until the thermal expansion residue formed by the heat of a fire or the like is formed, does not allow the thermal expansion residue from the heat formed by a fire or the like to easily detach and fall off of construction materials, such as steel framing and the like, and can prevent penetration of flames for at least two hours in the case of exposure to the flames of a fire or the like. [Solution] The highly refractory rubber composition sheet is formed from a highly refractory rubber composition that contains a polyhydric alcohol (A), a nitrogen-containing foaming agent (B), a rubber substance (C), a flame resistant foaming agent (D), and titanium dioxide (E). The highly refractory rubber composition sheet is characterized by the nitrogen-containing foaming agent (B), being in a range of 76-80 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of the rubber substance (C).

Abstract: Various esterified alkyl ketal ester or hydroxyalkyl ketal ester products are useful as components of organic polymer compositions. The ketal esters are produced in certain transesterifications between alkyl ketal esters and/or hydroxyalkyl ketal esters and polyols, aminoalcohols, polyamines, and/or polycarboxylic acids. The products are excellent plasticizers for a variety of organic polymers, notable poly(vinyl chloride) plastisols. The products are also very good lubricants for many lubrication applications.

Abstract: A biodegradable starch film is provided. The biodegradable starch film includes a starch which is cross-linked by means of a cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent comprises glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA), or dodecyl succinic anhydride (DDSA) or combinations thereof. The cross-linking agent is 1 to 10 weight parts based on the starch of 100 weight parts. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing starch foam is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are a method for preparing a resin composition for an expandable polypropylene carbonate and an expandable polypropylene carbonate prepared therefrom. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a resin composition for an expandable polypropylene carbonate capable of using supercritical carbon dioxide as a foaming agent and preparing a foam having excellent moldability by an appropriate foaming method, and an expandable polypropylene carbonate prepared therefrom. The expandable polypropylene carbonate capable of having high magnification, excellent thermal stability, and dimensional stability may be prepared by using the resin composition according to the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silicone copolymers of the formula (I) which are obtained by reaction of siloxanes having SiH groups with specific compounds having one or more groups reactive toward SiH groups, especially groups having C—C multiple bonds, and optionally at least one OH group, compositions comprising these silicone copolymers, a process for producing a polyurethane foam in which an appropriate silicone copolymer or a corresponding composition is used, polyurethane foam obtainable by the process, and articles comprising or consisting of a corresponding polyurethane foam.

Abstract: The invention concerns a preparation process of a hybrid organic-inorganic material including the following successive steps: a) preparation of a neutral organosilicon sol in at least one organic solvent, b) incorporation of a doping agent into the neutral organosiliconsol, and production of a doped sol, c) incorporation into the doped sol, of an accelerating agent in order to activate the subsequent gelation of the sol, d) condensation of the sol in order to obtain a crosslinked gel, e) drying of the gel and production of a stable doped gel. and the material obtainable by such a method.

Abstract: A method for producing a porous body containing polyacrylonitrile as a main component, and the method includes the steps of obtaining a polyacrylonitrile solution by heating and dissolving the polyacrylonitrile in a solvent, obtaining a product precipitated by cooling the polyacrylonitrile solution, and obtaining the porous body containing the polyacrylonitrile as a main component by separating and drying the product. The solvent contains a poor solvent for the polyacrylonitrile and a good solvent for the polyacrylonitrile.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a porous PEEK-type polymer article comprising a porous PEEK-type polymer structure and presenting at least a trimodal pore distribution. The invention describes a process for the production of said porous PEEK-type polymer article comprising: a) contacting a PEEK-type polymer with a composition comprising at least a organic solvent, b) heating at a temperature at which the PEEK-type polymer is dissolved, c) adding at least a porogen agent, d) cooling the mixture obtained in c) at a temperature at least equal or lower than the temperature at which the PEEK-type polymer precipitates, e) forming said cooled mixture into a shaped article, f) removing the organic solvent and the porogen agent, and g) recovering the PEEK-type polymer article.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions comprising a blend of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane and one of perfluoroheptane or perfluoro-N-methylmorpholine, and uses thereof, are described.

Abstract: A process for the production of nano-scaled graphene platelets which comprises: a) putting a graphite material in contact with molecular or atomic oxygen or a substance capable of releasing molecular or atomic oxygen, obtaining a precursor consisting of graphite material functionalized with oxygen groups (FOG), characterized by a carbon/ oxygen molar ratio higher than 8:1 b) subsequently, reducing (chemically or physically) said FOG precursor obtaining nano-scaled graphene platelets characterized by a carbon/oxygen molar ratio higher than 20:1

Abstract: Provided are a composition for preparing expandable polypropylene carbonate and an expandable polypropylene carbonate prepared therefrom, and more particularly, to a composition for preparing expandable polypropylene carbonate capable of using supercritical carbon dioxide as a foaming agent and producing a foam having excellent moldability by using an appropriate foaming method. By using the composition according to the present invention, highly magnificated expandable polypropylene carbonate capable of having excellent thermal stability and dimensional stability can be prepared.

Abstract: Porous three-dimensional networks of polyimide and porous three-dimensional networks of carbon and methods of their manufacture are described. For example, polyimide aerogels are prepared by mixing a dianhydride and a diisocyanate in a solvent comprising a pyrrolidone and acetonitrile at room temperature to form a sol-gel material and supercritically drying the sol-gel material to form the polyimide aerogel. Porous three-dimensional polyimide networks, such as polyimide aerogels, may also exhibit a fibrous morphology. Having a porous three-dimensional polyimide network undergo an additional step of pyrolysis may result in the three dimensional network being converted to a purely carbon skeleton, yielding a porous three-dimensional carbon network. The carbon network, having been derived from a fibrous polyimide network, may also exhibit a fibrous morphology.

Abstract: Crosslinked flame retardant thermoplastic elastomer gels are provided. The crosslinked flame retardant thermoplastic elastomer gels comprise a char catalyst, a char former, a maleic anhydride-modified styrene ethylene/butylene styrene polymer, and a softener oil. Methods are provided of making crosslinked flame retardant thermoplastic elastomer gels.

Abstract: Methods of processing high service temperature crosslinked thermoplastic gels are provided. The methods include combining (a) an oil-swelled physically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer gel comprising at least one functional group configured to chemically crosslink in the presence of a crosslinker and (b) a crosslinker; maintaining the combination of the physically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer gel and the crosslinker at a temperature at which they remain substantially unreacted; subsequently heating the combination to a temperature at which the oil-swelled physically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer gel reacts with the crosslinker.

Abstract: Premixes suitable for the production of membrane materials are described. Products of this invention are suitable for the formation of membranes and membrane modules that may be in the form of flat sheets, tubes, or hollow fibers.

Abstract: Provided herein are skin substitutes suitable for use in a living subject for purpose of repairing damaged tissues, methods of producing the skin substitutes and their uses. A biocomposite membrane comprising poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL) and at least one material selected from collagen and gelatin is provided. In one embodiment, the biocomposite is a 2-component membrane of PCL and gelatin. In another embodiment, the biocomposite is a 3-component membrane of PCL, collagen and gelatin. The bio-composite membrane may be used directly in vivo as a wound dressing, or as a support for cell growth on each side of the membrane to produce an in vitro cultivated artificial skin for future in vivo and/or in vitro applications.

Abstract: There is provided a novel polyamide particles having an approximately spherical outer shape, which are spongy particles having through holes in an outer surface part and closed voids in an inside part. The polyamide particles can be produced by dissolving a polyamide in a cyclic amide with heating to obtain a homogeneous solution and then cooling the solution.

Abstract: In a flame-retarded foamable styrene-based resin composition comprising a bromine-containing flame retardant, the flame retardant is a mixture of (a) an organic bromine-containing compound having a 2,3-dibromopropyl group or an organic bromine-containing compound having a bromine content of greater than 60 wt % in which all bromine atoms are attached to a benzene ring, and (b) an organic bromine compound having a 2,3-dibromo-2-alkylpropyl group. The composition comprises this mixture in amount from 0.5 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the styrene-based resin. The composition exhibits high flame retardant and heat stabilizing effects yet allowing recycling.

Abstract: A foam precursor mixture of polylactic acid (PLA) resin having a D-lactic acid content that is about 3 mole % or less; nucleating agent; chain extender; and hydrocarbon blowing agent is provided. The foaming mixture is substantially free of a crosslinking agent. The foam premixture can be used to prepare PLA foams having improved heat resistance, lower densities, smaller cells, and higher cell counts. PLA foams in accordance with the invention may be useful for preparing thermoformed articles such as trays. PLA foamed articles may be prepared that exhibit heat resistance above a temperature of about 49° C. or more, and in particular, a heat resistance at 5 minutes of exposure in excess of about 74° C.

Abstract: A porous polybenzimidazole (PBI) particulate resin is disclosed. This resin is easily dissolved at ambient temperatures and pressures. The resin is made by: dissolving a virgin PBI resin in a highly polar solvent; precipitating the dissolved PBI in a bath; and drying the precipitated PBI, the dried precipitated PBI being porous. The porous PBI resin may be dissolved by: mixing a porous PBI resin with a highly polar solvent at ambient temperatures and pressures to form a solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a hydrophilic aliphatic polyurethane foam which includes providing, curing, and foaming a composition comprising: an isocyanate-functional prepolymer having a weight fraction of low molecular weight aliphatic diisocyanates of below 1.0% by weight based on the prepolymer, obtained by reaction of a low molecular weight aliphatic diisocyanate having a molar mass of 140 to 278 g/mol with a di- to hexafunctional polyalkylene oxide having an OH number of 22.5 to 112 mg KOH/g and an ethylene oxide content of 50 to 100 mol %; optionally a heterocyclic 4-ring or 6-ring oligomer of low molecular weight aliphatic diisocyanates having a molar mass of 140 to 278 g/mol; water; optionally a catalyst; a C8-C22 monocarboxylic acid or its ammonium or alkali metal salt or a C12-C44 dicarboxylic acid or its ammonium or alkali metal salt; optionally a surfactant; and optionally a mono- or polyhydric alcohol.

Abstract: Polyolefin dispersions, froths, and foams and articles manufactured therefrom are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for generating a thermoplastic foam from an aqueous dispersion. The aqueous dispersion may include a thermoplastic resin, water, and a stabilizing agent. The method may include adding at least one frothing surfactant to the aqueous dispersion to form a mixture, adding a flame retardant and/or a phase change material, frothing the mixture to create a froth, and removing at least a portion of the water to produce the foam.

Abstract: The density of rigid foamed articles made by the thermal decomposition of a blowing agent in a vinyl chloride polymer is reduced by the use of a tin based blowing agent activator(s). The tin based activator also reduces the activation temperature of a chemical blowing agent, allowing for more optimal evolution of gas during plastic processing. Dibutyl tin oxide or tin maleates are superior activators of vinyl chloride polymer blowing agents.

Abstract: Latex spray foams formed from a non-aqueous two-part foamable composition are provided. The A-side contains includes a dry latex polymer, a multifunctional acid, and a liquid blowing agent and the B-side contains a polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent a plasticizer, and, optionally, a non-functionalized resin. The multifunctional acid may be a secondary emulsion that is added to the composition separately. The polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent may be diluted by a plasticizer, which reduces the viscosity of the B-side. The plasticizer should have no acidic protons to react with the crosslinking agent. When no acidic protons are present, the B-side is stable for extended periods of time. Additionally, the inventive foam and composition are desirably free of water. The lack of water or small amount of water in the inventive foam composition permits the foam to be sprayed at temperatures below freezing and to a greater thickness compared to water-containing compositions.

Abstract: A mixture of poly(vinyl chloride) and epoxidized methyl soyate is disclosed. The epoxidized methyl soyate as a plasticizer replaces butyl benzyl phthalate which is conventionally used for the manufacture of multi-layer laminate sheet flooring or single layer tile flooring. The epoxidized methyl soyate, a bio-plasticizer, unexpectedly is a “drop-in” replacement for the butyl benzyl phthalate, both in terms of processing and performance. Also poly(vinyl chloride)-epoxidized methyl soyate mixtures have much better heat stability than poly(vinyl chloride)-butyl benzyl phthalate mixtures.

Abstract: Expanded products, more specifically, rigid or semi-flexible foams of low density from 1.5 to 12 lbs/ft3 or more, with closed cells can be manufactured. The products have a PVC backbone with branches with methacrylate crosslinked with isocyanate through a reaction activated by ultraviolet or microwave radiation. The use of polyfunctional monomers that are sensitive to irradiation yields a higher cross-link density, which improves the physical and mechanical properties such as hardness, resistance to abrasion, ductility, and resistance to friction. The selection of monomers and oligomers allows the manufacturer to determine of the final properties of the foam. The process yields foams with extreme hardness and better shear factors making the foam an ideal product for aerospace and windmill use. These physical properties emerge during the post-curing process, preferably by use of compounds based on methacrylates in dispersion with PVC and isocyanates.

Abstract: An aluminum chelate latent curing agent includes an aluminum chelate curing agent, and a porous resin that holds the aluminum chelate curing agent and is obtained by subjecting a polyfunctional isocyanate compound to interfacial polymerization while simultaneously subjecting a polyfunctional radical polymerizable compound to radical polymerization in the presence of a radical polymerization initiator. In the aluminum chelate latent curing agent, a silanol compound of the formula (A) is further held in the porous resin. (Ar)mSi(OH)n??(A) In the formula, m is 2 or 3, and the sum of m and n is 4. Ar represents an optionally-substituted aryl group.

Abstract: Described is a process for making closed cell fluoropolymer foam, and the foam so made. The process includes subjecting a fluoropolymer resin an inert gas at a pressure higher than atmospheric to drive gas into the resin, raising the temperature of the resin to or above its softening point, and reducing the pressure while maintaining the temperature at or above the softening point of the resin, in order to expand the resin to result in closed cell fluoropolymer foam. The resin is cross-linked prior to expansion. The resulting foams can be used in various applications, such as in flotation devices and for making thermal and/or acoustic insulation.

Abstract: A method for producing expandable polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene foams (XPS), starting from polystyrene already present in the polymerized state or polystyrene melts, the same containing at least one expanding agent and/or at least one flame or fire retardant and/or at least one radical former as a flame retarding synergist, either from the start and/or being added during the production process. To reduce the extent to which the molecular weight is decreased as a result of the chain decomposition occurring during the heating as part of the production process, at least one stable free radical from the group of organic nitroxyl radicals of the general formula (1) is added to the polystyrene and/or the melt thereof.

Abstract: A foamable novolac phenolic resin composition suitable for preparing phenolic foams that are free of corrosive acid catalysts and excess aldehydes. The composition comprises a novolac resin, an oxazolidine hardener, and a blowing agent.

Abstract: Described is a process for making closed cell fluoropolymer foam, and the foam so made. The process includes subjecting a fluoropolymer resin an inert gas at a pressure higher than atmospheric to drive gas into the resin, raising the temperature of the resin to or above its softening point, and reducing the pressure while maintaining the temperature at or above the softening point of the resin, in order to expand the resin to result in closed cell fluoropolymer foam. The resin is cross-linked prior to expansion. The resulting foams can be used in various applications, such as in flotation devices and for making thermal and/or acoustic insulation.