Abstract: Foamed articles of polyvinyl chloride resins are prepared by mixing an organic foaming agent having a temperature of foaming by decomposition of 100.degree. C. or above and a plasticizer with a polyvinyl chloride resin containing epoxy group which is formed into particles having an average diameter in the range from 0.05 to 5 .mu.m and has a concentration of the epoxy group at the surface of the particle of 1.times.10.sup.-2 weight % or more and a concentration of the total epoxy group in the particles of the said resin of 10 weight % or less at a temperature where the organic foaming agent does not decompose and coating or molding the mixed compound with foaming by heating.Foamed articles of polyvinyl chloride resins having excellent physical properties and high expansion ratios can be prepared without utilizing a crosslinking agent at the ambient pressure.

Abstract: Foamable resin compositions of cyanate esters and thermoplastic resins are disclosed.

Abstract: Flame-resistant, expandable styrene polymers containing a styrene (co)polymer, from 0.4 to 6% by weight of hexabromocyclododecane having a mean particle size of from 1 to 50 .mu.m, the particles being provided with a firm coating which has a thickness of from 1/100 to 1/10 of the particle diameter and is insoluble in water and styrene, from 1 to 10% by weight of a C.sub.3 - to C.sub.6 -hydrocarbon as blowing agent, and, if desired, customary additives, are distinguished by a reduced internal water content and can be processed to form foams which have an improved foam structure and high UV stability.

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: 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: This invention relates to oriented porous films having cells with polygonal cross sections and average pore diameters of about 5 to about 30 microns and interconnecting pores between the cells which have a diameter of about 0.2 to about 20 microns which are formed from a polypropylene-based resin and a process for forming the film which comprises the steps of forming a film containing beta-spherulites, selectively extracting a portion of the beta-spherulites to form a porous film and stretching the porous film in at least one direction to form the oriented polymeric porous film.

Abstract: A process produces microporous powders or shaped articles, in particular membranes in the form of flat films, tubular films or hollow fibers, which may be used for controlled release of an active compound, for dialysis, gas separation, ultrafiltration or microfiltration, from polyvinylidene fluoride and/or polyphenylene sulfide and/or polysulfone and/or polyacrylonitrile and/or ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer and/or ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer and/or polyethersulfone and/or polyether-imide and/or polymethyl methacrylate and/or polycarbonate and/or cellulose triacetate. The process utilizes phase separation by means of thermally induced triggering or triggering induced by a non-solvent of a solution of the polymer in a mixture containing .epsilon.-caprolactam as the essential dissolving constituent. The solution may be formed before the phase separation is triggered.

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: A composition useful in the manufacture of cable comprising:(i) a crosslinkable thermoplastic polymer;(ii) a metal hydrate flame retardant compound; and(iii) an organic peroxide crosslinking compound, which decomposes at a temperature of at least about 140.degree. C., but below the decomposition temperature of the polymer.

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: In a process for the production of Alkyl substituted 5-amidotetrazole compounds represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein A represents NHX or NRR'X represents a lower alkyl groupR represents a lower alkyl group, andR' represents a lower alkyl group.reacts 5-aminotetrazole with an alkyl isocyanate or a dialkyl carbamoyl halide in a polar solvent.

Abstract: In a process for the production of cellular products comprising thermoplastic or rubber materials the blowing agents employed have the formula: ##STR1## wherein A represents NHX, NRR' or ORX represents H or a lower alkyl group,R represents a lower alkyl group, andR' represents a lower alkyl group.The novel blowing agents provide high gas yields and have high decomposition temperatures while forming only inert nitrogen gas. They are particularly suitable for the production of cellular products from high temperature thermoplastic materials such as polycarbonates.

Abstract: In a process for the production of cellular products comprising thermoplastic or rubber materials the blowing agents employed have the formula: ##STR1## wherein A represents NHX, NRR' or ORX represents H or a lower alkyl group,R represents a lower alkyl group, andR' represents a lower alkyl group.The novel blowing agents provide high gas yields and have high decomposition temperatures while forming only inert nitrogen gas. They are particularly suitable for the production of cellular products from high temperature thermoplastic materials such as polycarbonates.

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: Disclosed is a microporous polyproplene film comprising a propylene homopolymer, a copolymer of propylene with other copolymerizable monomer or a blend thereof, which has an intrinsic viscosity (.eta.) of 1.9 to 3.0 dl/g, especially 2.0 to 3.0 dl/g, as measured at 135.degree. C. in tetralin, said microporous film having a network structure comprising intercommunicating pores having a maximum pore size smaller than 1.mu. and an average pore size of 0.005 to 0.6.mu. and having a porosity of 30 to 90%, an air permeability of 5 to 500 sec/100 cc and a thickness of 5 to 200.mu., said microporous film being molecularly oriented by stretching.

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

Abstract: A process for the production of cellular products which comprises incorporating a blowing agent into rubber or a thermoplastic material uses as the blowing agent a tetrazole compound represented by the formula: ##STR1## in which R represents an alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, aralkylene, alkenyl, alkenylaryl or alkenylaralkylene group.The novel blowing agents of the present invention include compounds which are liquids which may be directly incorporated into the molten rubber or thermoplastic material. The blowing agents of this invention are especially useful, as indicated, with polymers and copolymers that have high processing temperatures as they minimize polymer degradation and provide products with increased impact strengths.

Abstract: A smoke suppressant for reducing smoke emission when a flammable organic material is heated above its decomposition temperature or ignited comprises a liquid heterocyclic polysulphide compound having the formulaR--S.sub.x --Z--S.sub.x' --R' (I)where R is an organic group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R' is hydrogen or an organic group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, x is at least 2, x' is 1 or more when R' is hydrogen and is at least 2 when R' is an organic group and Z is a divalent radical derived from a heterocyclic compound, preferably a sulphur-containing heterocyclic compound such as thiadiazole. The compound (I) may contain dissolved or dispersed elemental sulphur. The smoke suppressant is particularly suitable for use in polyurethane foams.

Abstract: Azo compounds such as 2-ethyl-6-methyl-phenylazo-t-butane which contain an aromatic moiety bridged to one or more alkyl moieties by azo groups are useful blowing agents in a novel process for foaming compositions of polymers such as polycarbonates.

Abstract: Various flame retardant agents have been added as a coating to seed beads of vinyl aromatic polymers. The resulting products have high resistance to burning and permit the use of lower concentrations of the retardant.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of combinations of specific compounds as blowing agent combinations for thermoplastics containing ester and/or carbonate groups, a process for the foaming of these thermoplastics, and the foams obtained by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: A method of mechanically frothing and casting an aqueous ionic polyurethane dispersion to yield a mechanically frothed polyurethane foam. The method comprises admixing an aqueous ionic polyurethane dispersion with a stearate stabilizer and an optional aziridine crosslinking agent, and frothing the low viscosity admixture. The polyurethane dispersion contains particles having an average size of less than one micron, and contains between 35 and 70 percent by weight dispersed polyurethane solids. Preferably, each polyurethane particle in the aqueous dispersion is crosslinked. Before frothing, the low viscosity admixture contains between 33 and 87 percent by weight of the polyurethane dispersion, up to 33 percent by weight of an azirdine composition and between 13 and 50 percent by weight of a 33 percent aqueous dispersion of a stearate salt and has, as a result, a viscosity in the range of 100 to 200 centipoise. After frothing, the frothed admixture is knife-coated and cured into a flexible foam sheet.

Abstract: A composition comprising a dry blend mixture of a porous thermoplastic resin powder and from 1 to 80 wt. % of a microbiocide based upon the weight of the composition. The microbiocide is present in the mixture at a concentration of at least about 20 times greater than the normal upper usage concentration of the microbiocide, and is held within the pores of the thermoplastic powder.The resulting concentrate is a substantially non-dusting, free-flowing powder which is readily incorporated into a second thermoplastic resin to produce a resulting article having the appropriate level of microbiocide.

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

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the preparation of polybenzimidazole foams. Polybenzimidazoles containing 10 to 30 percent by weight residual solvent can be heated at a temperature of about 350.degree. C. to about 600.degree. C. to produce three dimensional foamed articles.

Abstract: Disclosed are new poly(ether-carbonates) which may be prepared by heating aromatic diol polycarbonates with ethylene carbonate, optionally in the presence of a suitable catalyst or promoter.

Abstract: The low temperature impact strength of foam thermoplastic articles is increased with the addition of polysiloxane-polycarbonate block copolymer.

Abstract: A method for producing foam polyolefin products which are light-stable and weather-resistant are obtained by the combined use of the following stabilizers:(a) phenolic antioxidants,(b) substituted benzophenones and/or substituted benzotriazoles, and(c) sterically hindered amines.

Abstract: A method for producing foam polyolefin products which are light-stable and weather-resistant are obtained by the combined use of the following stabilizers:(a) phenolic antioxidants,(b) substituted benzophenones and/or substituted benzotriazoles, and(c) sterically hindered amines.

Abstract: A foamable thermoplastic composition comprising in admixture (a) a polycarbonate resin, alone, or with (b) a polyester resin, (c) a minor amount of a foaming agent and (d) a minor amount of a non-fibrous particulate agent comprising an organic polymeric material to nucleate the foam. The composition also contains a surface active agent compound, such as a silicone, a polyglycol ether, a fatty acid derivative or a mixture thereof, to enhance particulate dispersion and to reduce the surface tension.

Abstract: Epoxy compounds are added to polycarbonate resin to reduce or eliminate the necessity of drying the resin prior to a foaming process.

Abstract: A process for the production of 2-aryl-4-acyl-1.3.4-oxdiazolones-(5), in which an aromatic carboxylic acid hydrazide is reacted at a pH value of from 1.8 to 3.0 with phosgene in a mixture consisting of water and acetone at a temperature of from 0.degree. C. to 50.degree. C., subsequently the pH is increased to from 9.5 to 11.0, then about 100 mol % of a carboxylic acid chloride or about 50 mol % of a dicarboxylic acid chloride (based on mols of carboxylic acid hydrazide) is added and optionally from 10.sup.-4 to 1.0 mol % (based on mols of carboxylic acid hydrazide) of a tertiary amine or phosphine is added as a catalyst and the reaction is completed at a temperature from 0.degree. C. to 50.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for foaming thermoplastic aromatic polycarbonates, 2-phenyl-1-oxa-3,4-diazol-5-ones acylated in the 4-position being used in combination with cyanuric acid.

Abstract: Epoxy compounds are added to polycarbonate resin to reduce or eliminate the necessity of drying the resin prior to a foaming process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foamable polyetherimide resin. These foamable polyetherimides have an effective amount of a chemical blowing agent which decomposes at a temperature equal to or greater than the glass transition temperature of the polyetherimide resin and does not have an adverse effect on the polyetherimide.

Abstract: An intumescent curable composition has as its principal constituents an epoxy resin; a curing agent; and an additive component which is composed of a mixture of materials which provide a source of phosphorus, zinc, boron and an expansion gas. The aforesaid composition is capable of forming a carbonaceous char upon exposure to heat or flame.

Abstract: A new process for foaming cellulose acetate rods consists of blending the cellulose acetate with a suitable plasticizer, a nucleating agent, cyclic ethylene carbonate, and a co-reactant for the ethylene carbonate and extruding into a foamed rod. Suitable co-reactants include aromatic diol polyesters, polycarbonates, and poly(ester-carbonates) and monomeric or polymeric materials containing the ##STR1## group, which have melting or flow points of less than about 250.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polyimide foam which includes the steps of: preparing, foaming, and curing a precursor containing at least one alkyl ester of 3,3'4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid; a meta- or para-substituted aromatic diamine; a heterocyclic diamine; an aliphatic diamine; and a solid blowing agent. The blowing agent is added to said precursor in a concentration which is sufficient to effect at least one of the following attributes of the foam: cell size, proportion of open cells, cell density, and indentation load deflection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to derivatives of azoles, their preparation and their use as chemical blowing agents for thermoplastic molding compositions. The agents of the invention are characterized in their improved compatibility with the resin wherein they are incorporated.

Abstract: According to the present invention a composition of matter is provided comprising the reaction product of a comminuted inorganic material and a substituted succinic anhydride having the formula: ##STR1## wherein at least one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is a substituent selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or aralkyl group having from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms or a substituted derivative thereof, and the remaining substituents are hydrogens. The substituent may be saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, and may have from 1 to about 10 substitutions including halogen, tertiary amino, tertiary amide, ketal, episulfide, sulfonate, phosphonate, imide, carboxylate, carbonate, isocyanate, silane, epoxy, cyano, ether, thioether, carbonyl, aromatic nitro, or acetal. In a particular molecule, all of the R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 groups may be the same or different, so long as they fall within the above class.

Abstract: A method of forming a synthetic article by open forming techniques by providing a fluid composition containing a predominant quantity of synthetic resin and having a capability for delayed, substantial gas evolution. To produce reinforced articles, the composition is applied to the reinforcement at a temperature below a predetermined gas evolution temperature and is subjected to fluid spreading conditions to thoroughly wet the elements of reinforcement. Subsequently, the fluid composition reaches the predetermined temperature, the resultant gas evolution effectively expands the composition while it remains in thorough wetting contact with the reinforcement elements, and the resin then solidifies and cures to produce an intimately reinforced, expanded article. In important embodiments the preponderant gas evolution results from the reaction of an organic hydroperoxide with an isocyanate in the presence of a surfactant.

Abstract: Carbonate polymer compositions comprise a carbonate polymer having dispersed therein a concentrate consisting essentially of a copolymer of an alkenyl-aromatic monomer and an .alpha.,.beta.-olefinically unsaturated nitrile monomer and a powdered or crystalline additive. The concentrates allow for good dispersion of additives in the carbonate polymer, provide for clean and efficient use of additives, and are easily processable. The copolymeric base resin does not deleteriously affect the good physical properties of the carbonate polymer with which it is blended at typical additive let down levels.

Abstract: A method of forming reinforced synthetic articles of polyester resin by reaction injection molding techniques comprising combining a set of reactants including a major base mass of polyester resin in fluid form, at least one polyester cure accelerator, a selected quantity of isocyanate, a surfactant, and an additive that is highly exothermically reactive with at least one other component in the mixture. The isocyanate is added in sufficient quantity to react with at least one other component in the mixture to provide mold filling and shrink-resistant quantities of carbon dioxide throughout the mixture. The resultant mixture is injected into a mold prior to substantial reaction. The additive is allowed to react and the heat produced by this exothermic reaction is effective to trigger and accelerate gas forming soon after injection. The gas formation generates pressure to expand the polyester base resin mass and maintain pressure through the curing reaction of the accelerator with the polyester resin.

Abstract: Foamed thermopolastic resin comprising poly (p-methylenebenzoate) suitable for structural foam injection molded parts.

Abstract: Fine particulate expandable flame retardant styrene polymers having an improved minimum mold dwell time and reduced block shrinkage are prepared by:(a) mixing together styrene monomer or a mixture of styrene and a cpolymerizable monomer with an organic halogen compound and an expanding agent in an aqueous disperson;(b) adding before or during polymerization to the mixture of (a) from 0.0001 to 0.1% by weight of an epoxidation product of an aliphatic hydrocarbon of which the epoxidated aliphatic chain comprises from 6 to 18 C atoms, this epoxidation product being soluble in the monomers;(c) carrying out a polymerization in the aqueous suspension of (a) and (b) using radical forming initiators at temperatures of 80.degree. C.-130.degree. C. to form expandable particles;(d) pre-forming the expandable particles resulting from (c);(e) ageing the pre-formed particles of (d); and(f) molding the pre-formed and aged particles of (e) in a pressure resistant mold.

Abstract: Fire retardant, expanded styrene polymer shaped objects are prepared by:(a) mixing styrene monomer or a mixture thereof with at least one comonomer, an expanding agent and a fire retardant, organic halogen compound in a aqueous dispersion;(b) adding to (a) either before or during polymerization from about 0.0001 to 0.1 percent by weight esters soluble in the organic phase of (a), these esters of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and aliphatic epoxy alcohols having at least 11 carbon atoms;(c) polymerizing the aqueous dispersion of (a) and (b) using radical forming initiators at a temperature of about 80.degree. to 130.degree. C.;(d) separating bead polymers having diameters between about 0.4 and 3 mm;(e) pre-foaming the beads;(f) ageing the pre-foamed beads; and(g) final forming the aged and pre-foamed beads in a pressure resistant mold.

Abstract: Fine particulate expandable flame retardant styrene polymers having an improved minimum mold dwell time and reduced block shrinkage are prepared by:(a) mixing together styrene monomer or a mixture of styrene and a copolymerizable monomer with an organic halogen compound and an expanding agent in an aqueous dispersion;(b) adding before or during polymerization to the mixture of (a) from 0.0001 to 0.1% by weight of an expoxidation product of an aliphatic hydrocarbon of which the epoxidated aliphatic chain comprises from 6 to 18 C atoms, this epoxidation product being soluble in the monomers;(c) carrying out a polymerization in the aqueous suspension of (a) and (b) using radical forming initiators at temperatures of 80.degree. C.-130.degree. C. to form expandable particles;(d) pre-forming the expandable particles resulting from (c);ageing the pre-formed particles of (d); and(f) molding the pre-formed and aged particles of (e) in a pressure resistant mold.

Abstract: Foamed thermoplastic resin comprising poly(p-methylenebenzoate) suitable for structural foam injection molded parts.

Abstract: Self-extinguishing expandable polystyrene particles containing an expanding agent, a self-extinguishing organic halogen-containing compound and a 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine derivative.