Abstract: This invention relates to a novel, environmentally acceptable blowing agent and blowing agent blends and a process for producing thermalplastic, and particularly polyolefin foams using the environmentally acceptable blowing agent(s). The blowing agents of the present invention comprise difluoromethane and optionally a second blowing agent component which is nonflammable and possesses good blowing agent properties. Polyolefin foam is made by mixing a polyolefin resin and the blowing agent and introducing the resin/blowing agent mixture into a zone of lower pressure.

Abstract: The invention is a plastic foam body which is resistant to the boring of insects and is useful in insulating buildings subject to such boring comprising a foamed thermoplastic polymer having a plurality of closed non-interconnecting cells, a minimum cross-sectional dimension of at least 30 mm, the foam body being without discontinuities and substantial variation in average cell size when cell size, wherein the foam body has a density, d, of 40 kg/m.sup.3 or greater, and average cell dimensions of at least 1.0 mm, V, E, and H in three mutually perpendicular directions at least 1.0 mm or greater in the second directions, at least 1.0 mm and 0.9 mm respectively and a resistance factor, R, of 600 or greater as calculated by Formula 1 ##EQU1## In another embodiment of the invention is a method of insulating buildings subject to the boring of insects into the insulation thereof using the plastic foam bodies of the invention.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for the production of insulating styrenic foams comprising use of a blowing agent comprising a C.sub.4 -C.sub.5 alkane, CO.sub.2 and a halogenated ethane selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1-trifuluoroethane, 1-chloro-1, 1-difluoroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and mixtures thereof, wherein the halogenated ethane amount is less than 70.0 wt. % of the total blowing agent weight. The invention further comprises the styrenic foams made using the blowing agent composition and a paraffin wax. The method of the invention advantageously eliminates ethylchloride from styrenic foam production methods while limiting use of the halogenated ethane to minimum amounts suitable to produce foams with good insulative properties.

Abstract: The invention is a plastic foam body which is resistant to the boring of insects and is useful in insulating buildings subject to such boring comprising a foamed thermoplastic polymer having a plurality of closed non-interconnecting cells, a minimum cross-sectional dimension of at least 30 mm, the foam body being without discontinuities and substantial variation in average cell size when cell size, wherein the foam body has a density, d, of 40 kg/m.sup.3 or greater, and average cell dimensions of at least 1.0 mm, V, E, and H in three mutually perpendicular directions at least 1.0 mm or greater in the second directions, at least 1.0 mm and 0.9 mm respectively and a resistance factor, R, of 600 or greater as calculated by Formula 1 ##EQU1## In another embodiment the invention is a method of insulating buildings subject to the boring of insects into the insulation thereof using the plastic foam bodies of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides blowing compositions for preparing foamed or expanded products of thermoplastics. Each of the blowing compositions comprises a combination of two of halogenated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing foams based on polyisocyanates by reacting polyisocyanates, compounds having at least two hydrogen atoms reactive towards isocyanate groups, blowing agents and, if appropriate, further additives. In this process, a blowing agent is used which is composed to the extent of at least 10 mol % of one or more fluorinated ethers of the formulaC.sub.a H.sub.b F.sub.c --O--C.sub.d H.sub.e F.sub.fwhere______________________________________ a = 1-6 d = 1-2 b = 1-12 e = 0-5 c = 1-12 f = 0-5.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable alkenyl aromatic thermoplastic synthetic resinous elongate foam bodies having closed noninterconnecting gas-containing cells having an average cell size of 0.05 to 2.0 millimeters, a minimum cross-sectional dimension of at least 0.25 inch, a cross-sectional area of at least 8 square inches, a water vapor permeability not greater than 1.8 perm inch, a density of from 1.0 to 5.0 pounds per cubic foot (16 to 80 g/l), and an absolute dimensional stability of less than 4 percent in any direction when measured by the test designated ASTM D2126/C578 are prepared using 1,1-difluoro-1-chloroethane as a blowing agent and extruding at controlled temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel azeotrope consisting essentially of from 25 to 35% by weight of 2-methylbutane and from 65 to 75% by weight of 1,1-dichloro-1-fluorethane, and the use thereof in the production of rigid, closed cell foams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing flexible polyurethane foam having reduced discoloration which utilizes low molecular weight alkanes or mixtures thereof as auxiliary blowing agents. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of auxiliary blowing agents which are linear or branched alkanes having boiling points above -50.degree. C. and below 100.degree. C.

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

Abstract: The use of 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a) and dimethyl ether, optionally with up to 50 mole % of water, as the blowing agent is disclosed as an efficient route to a rigid, closed-cell polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam of improved cell structure and excellent insulation properties.

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

Abstract: The invention provides:a blowing composition for producing foamed articles of polyurethane comprising at least one of chloropentafluoropropane and isomer thereof,a blowing composition for producing foamed articles of polyurethane comprising (a) at least one of chloropentafluoropropane and isomers thereof and (b) 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane anda blowing composition for producing foamed articles of polyurethane comprising (a) at least one of chloropentafluoropropane and isomers thereof and (c) at least one of dichlorotrifluoroethane and isomers thereof.

Abstract: The azeotrope of 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and dimethyl ether is useful as a refrigerant, aerosol propellant and polymer foam blowing agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a mixture of specific chlorofluorocarbons and specific hydrocarbons in the production of rigid, closed cell foams.

Abstract: Expandable and expanded plastic materials having a majority of alkyl acrylate monomeric repeat units are disclosed. These materials when expanded have a volume expansion of at least 60 and maintain that volume expansion for a period of at least 30 minutes under expansion conditions after reaching the volume expansion of 60. Expandable and expanded plastic materials having a majority of alkyl acrylate monomeric repeat units and an inhibitor for the monomer(s) and a crosslinker incorporated into the plastic material upon monomer polymerization are also disclosed. Also disclosed are expandable and expanded plastic materials having a majority of alkyl acrylate monomeric repeat units with blowing agents of 2,2-dimethylbutane, 2,3-dimethylbutane or mixtures of one or both with 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane or mixtures of at least 30 percent of one or both with other volatile blowing agents.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polyurethane foam which comprises reacting inorganic polyisocyanate and a polyol in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising a blowing catalyst and a gelling catalyst, the improvement which comprises employing a blowing catalyst consisting essentially of(a) 25 to 80 wt % pentamethyldiethylenetriamine and(b) 20 to 75 wt % bis(dimethylaminopropyl)methylamine.The catalyst composition provides the resulting polyurethane foam with improved breathability.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a volatile foaming agent composition for thermoplastic resins capable of producing a thermoplastic resin foam without any shinkage or expansion after foaming.A volatile foaming agent composition for thermoplastic resins according to the present invention comprises 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoro-ethane.As the permeability of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoro-ethane in thermoplastic resins is smaller than that of the air, volatile foaming agent composition containing 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoro-ethane and other kind of volatile foaming agent having permeability higher than that of the air can be regulated to have the permeability similar to that of the air.Accordingly, the permeating speed of volatile foaming agent from the inside of foam cells to the outside and the permeating speed of substituting air into the foam cells from outside can be balanced and any shrinkage or expansion after foaming can be avoided.

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: The invention comprises a blowing agent composition useful in the production of insulating styrenic foams comprising ethylchoride, propane and a halogenated ethane selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-fluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1-difluoro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (FC-142b) and mixtures thereof. The invention further comprises a method to produce dimensionally stable insulating styrenic foams using the blowing agent composition. The blowing agent composition has a significantly reduced ozone reactivity potential compared to previous commercial styrenic foam blowing agents.

Abstract: Azeotropes of 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane or 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane with n-butane or isobutane and their use as propellants and foam blowing agents.

Abstract: A method of producing a foamed product having a density less than 0.2 g/cm.sup.3, which comprises foaming a composition comprising a major proportion of a low viscosity polypropylene component having a melt viscosity (at 190.degree. C. and a shear rate of 1000 sec.sup.-1) of less than 2.times.10.sup.3 poise and a minor proportion of a high viscosity polypropylene component having a melt viscosity (at 190.degree. C. and a shear rate of 1000 sec.sup.-1) of greater than 2.5.times.10.sup.3 poise.

Abstract: Expandable polymers in particle form for the preparation of foams having high heat distortion resistance contain from 20 to 94.9% by weight of a styrene polymer, from 0.1 to 75% by weight of a polyphenylene ether and from 5 to 20% by weight of a blowing agent mixture of aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons on the one hand and aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, ethers, esters and/or chlorohydrocarbons on the other hand.

Abstract: Expandable and expanded particles are prepared from an alkenyl aromatic polymer and a volatile fluid blowing agent mixture of a first blowing agent of 1,1-difluoro-1-chloroethane; and a second blowing agent selected from normal pentane, isopentane, neopentane or mixtures of the various pentanes.

Abstract: The use in otherwise conventional polyolefin extrusion foaming process of a stability control agent, in conjunction with certain binary or tertnary mixed blowing agent systems containing 1,2-dichlorotetrafluoroethane provides closed-cell olefin polymer foam articles having increased maximum cross-sections, smooth skins and good dimensional stability.

Abstract: A moldable and foamable thermoplastic composition comprising a major portion of moldable polypropylene resin; from about 1.25 to about 6 parts per hundred of resin (pphr) foam concentrate; from about 0.15 to about 1 pphr calcium carbonate; from about 0.03 to about 0.15 pphr amorphous silicon dioxide; from about 0.1 to about 0.4 pphr lubricant selected from the group consisting of synthetic waxes and distilled monoglycerides; from about 0.1 to about 0.4 pphr lubricant selected from the group consisting of N,N'-dioleoylethylenediamine and calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate; from about 0.15 to about 0.3 pphr unsaturated fatty monoamide; and from about 0.5 to about 2 pphr titanium dioxide concentrate.

Abstract: A moldable and foamable thermoplastic composition comprising a major portion of moldable polypropylene resin; from about 1.25 to about 6 parts per hundred of resin (pphr) foam concentrate; from about 0.15 to about 1 pphr calcium carbonate; from about 0.03 to about 0.15 pphr amorphous silicon dioxide; from about 0.1 to about 0.4 pphr lubricant selected from the group consisting of synthetic waxes and distilled monoglycerides; from about 0.1 to about 0.4 pphr lubricant selected from the group consisting of N,N'-dioleoylethylenediamine and calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate; from about 0.15 to about 0.3 pphr unsaturated fatty monoamide; and from about 0.5 to about 2 pphr titanium dioxide concentrate.

Abstract: Closed-celled foams of high compressive strength are obtained by extruding a mixture of a styrene polymer and from 8 to 16% by weight of a blowing agent mixture containing from 2 to 20% by weight of ethyl chloride, from 2 to 20% by weight of carbon dioxide, from 20 to 80% by weight of dichlorodifluoromethane and from 10 to 60% by weight of monochlorodifluoromethane.

Abstract: Particulate styrene polymers containing blowing agents are prepared by a process in which an aliphatic hydrocarbon of 7 to 9 carbon atoms is added in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.5% by weight, based on the styrene polymer, before, during or after the polymerization. The particulate styrene polymers can be processed to foam blocks and moldings having a satisfactory smooth surface.

Abstract: An expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer composition and methods of preparation are provided. The composition is admixed with a volatile blowing agent and an expansion aid which includes a polyphenylene ether. The composition may be extruded and then expanded by exposure to steam or hot air or may be impregnated with blowing agent and then expanded.

Abstract: A mixture of CFC-113 and CFC-123 and/or CFC-123a where CFC-123 or CFC-123a is a significant portion of the total composition has been found to result in improved blowing agent performance in phenol-formaldehyde foams compared to CFC-113.The use of CFC-123 (or CFC-123a, or both), in combination with CFC-113 improves resole resin solubility and mixed ingredient solution stability, prior to foaming. In addition, because of the lower molecular weight of CFC-123 (or CFC-123a) compared to CFC-113 better blowing agent efficiency will be realized per unit weight. Also, the lower boiling points of CFC-123 and CFC-123a as compared to CFC-113 results in a more ready conversion of dissolved blowing agent to released gaseous blowing agent by the exothermic phenolic resin polymerization. And because of the lower molecular weight and lower boiling point factors, a lower density foam is realized.

Abstract: An expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer composition and methods of preparation are provided. The composition is admixed with a volatile blowing agent and an expansion aid which includes a polyphenylene ether. The composition may be extruded and then expanded by exposure to steam or hot air or may be impregnated with blowing agent and then expanded.

Abstract: An expandable polyolefin composition and a method of preparation are provided. Isobutane or mixtures of isobutane with other physical blowing agents are utilized to expand polyolefin compositions which have been modified by the addition of a stability control agent. The composition has a high degree of dimensional stability and exhibits minimal shrinkage during curing and/or aging.

Abstract: A mixture of CFC-113 and CFC-123 and/or CFC-123a where CFC-123 or CFC-123a is a significant portion of the total composition has been found to result in improved blowing agent performance in phenol-formaldehyde foams compared to CFC-113.The use of CFC-123 (or CFC-123a, or both), in combination with CFC-113 improves resole resin solubility and mixed ingredient solution stability, prior to foaming. In addition, because of the lower molecular weight of CFC-123 (or CFC-123a) compared to CFC-113 better blowing agent efficiency will be realized per unit weight. Also, the lower boiling points of CFC-123 and CFC-123a as compared to CFC-113 results in a more ready conversion of dissolved blowing agent to released gaseous blowing agent by the exothermic phenolic resin polymerization. And because of the lower molecular weight and lower boiling point factors, a lower density foam is realized.

Abstract: A foamed polymethacrylimide resin having improved creep resistance at high temperature and reduced moisture absorption is obtained by heating a foamable resin composition consisting of (1) a copolymer formed between 47 to 53 percent by weight of methacrylonitrile monomer, 53 to 47 percent by weight of methacrylic acid monomer, and 0.01 to 4 percent, by weight of said monomers, of a metal salt of acrylic or methacrylic acid, and (2) 0.5 to 4 percent, also by weight of the monomers, of a blowing agent mixture of formamide or monomethyl formamide and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms in the molecule.

Abstract: An expandable polyolefin composition and a method of preparation are provided. Isobutane or mixtures of isobutane with other physical blowing agents are utilized to expand polyolefin compositions which have been modified by the addition of a stability control agent. The composition has a high degree of dimensional stability and exhibits minimal shrinkage during curing and/or aging.

Abstract: An expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer composition and methods of preparation are provided. The composition is admixed with a volatile blowing agent and an expansion aid which includes a polyphenylene ether. The composition may be extruded and then expanded by exposure to steam or hot air or may be impregnated with blowing agent and then expanded.

Abstract: Ethylenic polymer/styrenic polymer blend foams are prepared from blends of (1) an ethylenic polymer resin having a density of from 0.915 to 0.930 g/cm.sup.3 and a melt index of from 0.2 to 2.6 grams/10 minutes and (2) a styrenic polymer resin having a melt flow rate of from 1.4 to 18 grams/10 minutes. Foams having an excellent overall combination of properties are obtained (1) when the density, D, of such foams is in the range of from 10 to 40 kg/m.sup.3 and the 25 percent compressive strength, F, in kg/cm.sup.2 is from 0.013D.sup.1.15 to 0.024D.sup.1.15 and (2) when the ratio, R, of the melt flow rate of the styrenic polymer employed divided by the melt index of the ethylenic polymer employed is from 7 to 90 and the content, Y, of the styrenic polymer in said blend, in parts by weight based upon 100 parts by weight of the ethylenic polymer resin, satisfies the following requirement:10.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.3.94.7+1.18R-294.1 log (D).

Abstract: An expandable polyolefin composition and a method of preparation are provided. Isobutane or mixtures of isobutane with other physical blowing agents are utilized to expand polyolefin compositions which have been modified by the addition of a stability control agent. The composition has a high degree of dimensional stability and exhibits minimal shrinkage during curing and/or aging.

Abstract: Styrene polymer foam is prepared using a mixed blowing agent of carbon dioxide plus ethyl chloride and optionally a fluorocarbon to provide a foam having primary cells and secondary cells formed in the struts and walls.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a foamed, silane-cross-linked polyolefin foam and a procedure for producing the same. The polyolefin foam contains 60-99.9% polyolefin, 0.1-10% chemically bound hydrolyzed silane, 0-5% condensing catalyst, 0.1-5% water and 0-20% water carrier substance. The polyolefin foam is produced by extruding a mixture which contans polyethylene, silane hydrolyzable with water, a condensing catalyst and a foaming agent. For the polyolefin to be extruded is used polyethylene containing 0.1-5% water as foaming agent and 0-20% water carrier substance.

Abstract: Expandable beads and the like of thermoplastic organic polymer material, advantageously lightly-crosslinked in preparation, which are imbibed with halocarbon and/or light hydrocarbon (including mixed) blowing agents are advantageously tempered to provide excellent quality, uniformly fine-celled expanded cellular products therefrom by a quick quench from imbibition temperature to below 10 or so .degree. C. within one minute.

Abstract: A method of making a foamed, polyester resin comprises mixing a liquid unsaturated polyester composition, with a liquid borohydride blowing agent which is a liquid borohydride complex, a borohydride complex in organic liquid medium or a borohydride salt dispersed in an organic liquid medium, which medium is at least substantially non-reactive with the borohydride salt. The resulting mixture is permitted to foam and gel under the initial influence of the blowing agent. In one embodiment the liquid unsaturated polyester includes a peroxide as a curing agent and a promoter is additionally admixed therewith. In this case a foamed, gelled and cured resin results. The borohydride complexes are usefully quaternary amine borohydrides.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an alkenyl aromatic polymeric foam body. The process comprising using water-containing organic vegetable matter as a blowing agent in combination with a volatile fluid foaming agent.

Abstract: The use in conventional polyolefin extrusion foaming processes of a stability control agent (e.g., stearamide, EAA copolymer, etc.) in conjunction with certain mixed blowing agent systems, the mixed blowing agent system containing 60-95 weight percent of 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane or 60-95 weight percent of 1,1-difluoroethane. These compounds have a shorter atmospheric lifetime and lower stability than the saturated chlorofluorocarbons presently used as blowing agents or in blowing agent systems.

Abstract: A method of making a foamed, polyester resin comprises mixing a liquid unsaturated polyester composition, with a liquid borohydride blowing agent which is a liquid borohydride complex, a borohydride complex in organic liquid medium or a borohydride salt dispersed in an organic liquid medium, which medium is at least substantially non-reactive with the borohydride salt. The resulting mixture is permitted to foam and gel under the initial influence of the blowing agent. In one embodiment the liquid unsaturated polyester includes a peroxide as a curing agent and an amine promoter is additionally admixed therewith. In this case a foamed, gelled and cured resin results. The borohydride complexes are usefully quaternary amine borohydrides.

Abstract: Styrenic foams are prepared with water as a blowing agent component and polyhydric alcohol as a corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: Resilient foam particles and moldings are obtained employing a lightly crosslinked polymer such as a styrene polymer with volatile fluid foaming agent that has low permeability through the polymer. Multiple expansion will permit low density particles for molding.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of preparing a phenolic foam that has cell walls which are substantially free of perforations. The method comprises using certain anhydrous aryl sulfonic acids as the foaming and curing catalysts. The useful anhydrous aryl sulfonic acids are those which have a pKa of less than about 2.0 and which change the compatibility of the phenolic resole with water. The preferred anhydrous aryl sulfonic acid is a combination of toluene sulfonic acid and xylene sulfonic acid. The invention is also directed to a phenolic foam having cell walls which are substantially free of perforations and to foamable phenolic resole compositions for preparing the phenolic foam.

Abstract: Access to a space is impeded by generation of a sticky foam from a silicone polymer and a low boiling solvent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon. In a preferred aspect, the formulation is polydimethylsiloxane gel mixed with F502 Freon as a solvent and blowing agent, and pressurized with CO.sub.2 in a vessel to about 250 PSI, whereby when the vessel is opened, a sticky and solvent resistant foam is deployed. The foam is deployable, over a wide range of temperatures, adhering to wet surfaces as well as dry, is stable over long periods of time and does not propagate flame or lose adhesive properties during an externally supported burn.