Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of talc as a chemical foaming agent in perfluoropolymers to form foamable and foamed compositions. For example, in one aspect, a foamable composition is disclosed, which comprises (i) one or more base perfluoropolymers comprising at least 50 percent by weight of the composition, and (ii) talc blended with the one or more base perfluoropolymers, where the talc comprises 3 percent to about 15 percent by weight of the composition. Each of the perfluoropolymers is selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoromethylvinyl ether copolymer (MFA), hexafluoropropylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (FEP) and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) and any blend thereof, where hydrogen-containing fluoropolymers are absent from the composition. The one or more base perfluoropolymers are melt-processable at one or more elevated processing temperatures of at least about 600° F.

Abstract: A process for the production of a resilient foam by foaming a mixture, comprising from 50 to 97% by weight of an aqueous dispersion A) of SiO2 particles which have a mean particle diameter in the range from 1 to 100 nm, from 1 to 45% by weight of a polymer B) dissolved in water from 1 to 50% by weight of a blowing agent C) from 1 to 5% by weight of an emulsifier D) from 0 to 5% by weight of a crosslinking agent E) reactive with the polymer B), and the foam obtainable by the process and the use thereof.

Abstract: A rock dusting composition composed of rock dust, e.g., limestone or other mineral dust, water, pumping aid, and polymer, e.g., acrylamide homopolymers, acrylamide copolymers, and combinations thereof, and a method for applying the composition to the surface of a mine. The composition has a water content and a polymer content sufficient to allow the polymer to (i) disperse water molecules within the composition and, upon drying of the composition, (ii) dissipate forming void spaces in the dried composition. The composition is useful for suppressing propagation of a flame and/or fire caused by ignition of coal dust and/or gas within a coal mine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blown rigid semi-flexible urethane material that is loaded by using a wide variety of filler materials which become encapsulated in the urethane matrix. Disclosed are sample formulation and material variations, possible products that can be manufactured from the material, and possible material processing options and methods of manufacturing the material. Disclosed are possible methods of molding the material including a new cost effective method of molding variations of many interior and exterior products.

Abstract: A foamed composition adapted to seal to a substrate is provided. The foamed composition includes a radiation curable rubber, a photoinitiator, a blowing agent, a styrene-ethylene/butylene block copolymer, a light mineral oil, rheology modifier, a tackifier, and one of a radiation curable monomer and radiation curable oligomer, and wherein the composition is foamed upon application to the substrate.

Abstract: Crosslinkable compositions containing a crosslinkable organosilicon compound; a silica filler; a silicate or halogen analog thereof, a non-silicate resin-forming monomer; and a solid blowing agent containing intercalated liquid or liquid of crystallization, produce uniform foams of good pore structure, with firm adhesion to substrates, with water repellency and water vapor permeability, and with high elongation and low compression set, and are suitable for use in applications where foamed chloroprene rubber has been used, and in other applications as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blowing agent compositions comprising the unsaturated halogenated hydroolefin 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFO 1243zf) and combinations including primarily 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFO 1243zf). The blowing agent compositions are useful in that they provide sufficient plasticization to permit the production of low density insulating thermoplastic foams with improved k-factor.

Abstract: Composite moulded product comprising of at least one polyamide-reinforcement layer consisting of a polyamide matrix and reinforcement fibres, characterised in that the polyamide-reinforcement layer is porous due to the consolidation using a pressurised steam process.

Abstract: Low density, buoyant materials, in particular hydrophobic aerogels, may be used to absorb hydrophobic liquids. The materials are adapted to float on aqueous solutions and can absorb oils or other hydrophobic liquids from the surface of the solution without absorbing appreciable amounts of the aqueous solution. Methods for creating and using the materials are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a patch including a micro fiber glass and a polymeric binder, where the mixture forms an in situ porous patch that allows for active filtration after application to a leak or hole in an air filter. The mixture can be pressurized with a propellant within a housing prior to application to a leak or hole in an air filter. The mixture can also be applied manually to a leak or hole in an air filter, without the need to be pressurized with a propellant within a housing.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to foam of polymers, which can be made by a method for making a polymer foam comprising vacuum or gas-filled compartments by making a solution of 1 to 20% by weight of a polymer in a solvent; adding particles to the a polymer solution; solidifying the polymer wherein the particles are contained by heating, cooling, ageing, or coagulating to obtain a polymer foam or matrix comprising the particles, and obtaining from the polymer matrix the polymer foam containing the compartments; and optionally washing, drying, and/or heating the polymer foam.

Abstract: Polymeric composite materials, particularly highly filled polyurethane composite materials are described herein. Such highly filled polyurethane composite materials may be formed by reaction and extrusion of one or more polyols, one or more di- or poly-isocyanates, and from about 45 to about 85 weight percent of inorganic filler such as fly ash. Certain polyols, including plant-based polyols can be used. Certain composite materials also contain chain extenders and/or crosslinkers. The polyurethane composite material may also contain fibers such as chopped or axial fibers which further provide good mechanical properties to the composite material. Shaped articles containing the polyurethane composite material have been found to have good mechanical properties, such that the shaped articles are suitable for building applications.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a plastic part, the process comprising providing a polymer, heating the polymer, introducing a gas or supercritical fluid into the polymer, mixing the polymer and the gas to produce a first melt, extruding the first melt, pelletizing the extruded first melt to form pellets, transforming the pellets into a second melt, and molding the second melt to form the plastic part. In pelletizing the first melt, individual cells of gas are included in the resulting pellets. Before the cells can nucleate, the polymer is solidified to keep the gas contained therein. After the polymer is pelletized, the pellets are considered to be unfoamed. In molding the second melt to form the plastic part, nucleation of the cells is initiated through favorable process conditions and/or additional cell nucleating agents, thereby resulting in the second melt being foamed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal and/or sound insulation system or material with resistance to elevated temperatures (>300° C.) due to a controlled self-ceramifying/self-glassing/self-hardening effect which also leads to low or no combustibility, the process for manufacturing of such system or material and the use of such system or material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foamed fluoropolymer, preferably a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) structure, such as from Kynar® resins. The foamed structure is continuous self-supporting, sized, and has a dense skin. The foamed structure is manufactured in a process using foaming agents and nucleating agents. The structure is sized into a specific shape during the manufacturing process—requiring a good melt viscosity of the PVDF foam. In one process, a master batch containing the nucleating agent is used. The foamed article could be a sheet, film, profile, tube, pipe, article, rod foam-core structure, or other self-supporting shape. Foamed tubes, pipes, rods, sheets and conduit are especially useful. The foamed structure of the invention provides added value by being lighter weight, more flexible, and more impact resistant than a comparable non-foamed PVDF structure. It also has increased hysteresis, increased insulation properties, reduced dielectric constant, and increased compressibility.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising a sintered porous polymer matrix comprising at least one concentration agent that comprises an amorphous metal silicate and that has a surface composition having a metal atom to silicon atom ratio of less than or equal to 0.5, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing high strength composites. In one embodiment, a polymer matrix and a naturally-occurring inorganic material are melt processed to produce a high strength composite. In a preferred embodiment, the naturally-occurring inorganic material is volcanic ash. High strength composites of this invention have particular utility as building materials and automotive components.

Abstract: A laminated composition includes a first polymer layer having a first surface and a second surface; a second polymer layer having a first surface and a second surface; and an adhesive layer joining the second surface of the first polymer layer to a first surface of the second polymer layer; where the adhesive layer includes a heat-shrinkable resin including heat-generating particles.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition having a PVC of from 78 to 88% comprising, based on the total volume solids of the dry coating unless otherwise stated: a) opacifying pigment particles comprising i) from 3 to 10% titanium dioxide, ii) from 0 to 20% of hollow polymeric particles; b) non-opacifying extender particles comprising i) calcium magnesium carbonate, and/or ii) calcium carbonate, and/or iii) nepheline syenite, and/or iv) kaolin, wherein i)+ii)+iii)+iv)=40 to 80%, and iv) is 0 to 20%; c) polymer binder particles of calculated Fox Tg of from 25 to 70° C. having an acid value of from 15 to 65 mg KOH/g of polymer and wherein the polymer particles are derived from acrylic monomers and optionally further comprising styrene and/or its derivatives; d) dispersant having a weight average molecular weight of at least 3500 Daltons; e) fugitive coalescing solvent; wherein the composition is free of non-fugitive coalescing solvent.

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: Cell nucleation compositions and pellets, methods for making same, methods and compositions for making polymer foam, and polymer foams made by the methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A biodegradable nanocomposite and a method of forming a biodegradable nanocomposite are provided. In one aspect, the biodegradable nanocomposite includes a biodegradable polymer and a reinforcing agent substantially dispersed throughout the biodegradable polymer by rapid depressurization of a supercritical fluid. The biodegradable nanocomposite further includes a plurality of pores formed in the nanocomposite, the plurality of pores having an average pore size greater than about 100 ?m.

Abstract: Expandable, thermoplastic polymer bead material composed of a multiphase polymer mixture which comprises blowing agent and has at least one continuous phase of a thermoplastic polymer, where at least two different disperse phases P1 and P2 are present, disperse in the continuous phase, and also to processes for its production, and to use for the production of elastic molded foams.

Abstract: Optionally reinforced, lightweight microcellular polyamide shaped articles, e.g., automotive body or interior parts, are produced by injection molding a polyamide matrix in the presence of a fluid in the supercritical state.

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: The present invention relates to methods of modulating the gloss of moulded plastics products, such as articles in the automotive industry e.g. for the interior of automobiles, as well as the use of certain additives for that purpose and related invention embodiments. The modulating comprises adding at least one silica additive to a polymer composition used as polymer substrate for the moulded articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic molding compositions comprising the following components: (A1) at least one polyarylene ether having an average of at most 0.5 phenolic end groups per polymer chain, (A2) optionally at least one polyarylene ether having an average of at least 1.5 phenolic end groups per polymer chain, (B) at least one polyarylene sulfide, (C) at least one hyperbranched polymer selected from hyperbranched polycarbonates and hyperbranched polyesters, (D) optionally at least one functionalized polyarylene ether comprising carboxy groups, (E) optionally at least one fibrous or particulate filler, and (F) optionally further additives and/or processing aids. The present invention further relates to a process for producing the thermoplastic molding compositions of the invention, to the use of these for producing moldings, fibers, foams, or films, and to the resultant moldings, fibers, foams, and films.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of talc as a chemical foaming agent in perfluoropolymers to form foamable and foamed compositions. For example, in one aspect, a foamable composition is disclosed, which comprises (i) one or more base perfluoropolymers comprising at least 50 percent by weight of the composition, and (ii) talc blended with the one or more base perfluoropolymers, where the talc comprises 3 percent to about 15 percent by weight of the composition. Each of the perfluoropolymers is selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoromethylvinyl ether copolymer (MFA), hexafluoropropylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (FEP) and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) and any blend thereof, where hydrogen-containing fluoropolymers are absent from the composition. The one or more base perfluoropolymers are melt-processable at one or more elevated processing temperatures of at least about 600° F.

Abstract: Profiles made of foamed polyvinyl chloride polymer containing at least 40, preferably at least 60 weight parts of naturally occurring mineral filler for every 100 weight parts of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and PVC with a K-value of 50-58.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams are prepared from polyester polyols obtained by reaction of diols with a mixture of diacids derived from a mixture of dinitrile compounds obtained as by-products in the manufacture of adiponitrile by hydrocyanation of butadiene.

Abstract: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, a polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer, and optionally, an infrared attenuating agent, are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the blowing agent includes at least one hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent. The maleic anhydride-styrene copolymer grafted with polyethylene oxide provides a water vapor permeability of 1.1 perm inch or greater in the extruded foam product without detrimentally affecting physical or thermal properties of the product. Additionally, the copolymer of maleic anhydride-styrene grafted with polyethylene oxide has a positive affect on the processability of the blowing agent(s) in the composition by both widening the process window and enhancing the solubility of the blowing agent in the polymer melt. Thus, the polystyrene/polyethylene oxide copolymer present in the inventive composition acts as a cell enlarger, a plasticizer, and a processing aid.

Abstract: Provided is a modified blowing agent, wherein the surface of a blowing agent powder is coated with a metallic siloxylated compound. When the modified blowing agent is included in a polymer resin, dispersibility of the modified blowing agent is excellent in the polymer resin and fluidity of the polymer resin is improved in an extrusion molding machine and an injection molding machine, and thus productivity and processability can be improved. In addition, the foam that is formed using the polymer resin composition including the modified blowing agent has excellent tear strength, durability, and masking sound properties due to fine and uniform size of foam cells and increased number of foam cells per unit surface area.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of talc as a chemical foaming agent in perfluoropolymers to form foamable and foamed compositions. For example, in one aspect, a foamable composition is disclosed, which comprises (i) one or more base perfluoropolymers comprising at least 50 percent by weight of the composition, and (ii) talc blended with the one or more base perfluoropolymers, where the talc comprises 3 percent to about 15 percent by weight of the composition. Each of the perfluoropolymers is selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoromethylvinyl ether copolymer (MFA), hexafluoropropylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (FEP) and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) and any blend thereof, where hydrogen-containing fluoropolymers are absent from the composition. The one or more base perfluoropolymers are melt-processable at one or more elevated processing temperatures of at least about 600° F.

Abstract: Provided is a modified blowing agent, wherein the surface of a blowing agent powder is coated with a metallic siloxylated compound. When the modified blowing agent is included in a polymer resin, dispersibility of the modified blowing agent is excellent in the polymer resin and fluidity of the polymer resin is improved in an extrusion molding machine and an injection molding machine, and thus productivity and processability can be improved. In addition, the foam that is formed using the polymer resin composition including the modified blowing agent has excellent tear strength, durability, and masking sound properties due to fine and uniform size of foam cells and increased number of foam cells per unit surface area.

Abstract: A method of preparing a rigid foam material is presented, the method comprising: providing a curable liquid matrix material; mixing the liquid matrix material with a plurality of microspheres; adding nanoparticles to the matrix material; and curing a mixture comprising the matrix material, the microspheres and the nanoparticles. The addition of nanoparticles to the matrix material may significantly reduce the viscosity of the mixture comprising the liquid matrix material and the microspheres. Thereby, even a mixture comprising a very high content of microspheres in access of 60 Vol.-% can still be handled and e.g. filled in a mould and/or be de-gassed. Thus, a rigid foam material having low specific weight and high electrically insulating properties can be produced. Furthermore, a method of preparing a liquid material with reduced viscosity is proposed, the method comprising: providing a liquid material; adding nanoparticles to the liquid material.

Abstract: A process for producing an elastic silicate foam by foaming a mixture comprising 10% to 80% by weight of an aqueous dispersion of SiO2 particles A) which have an average particle diameter in the range from 1 to 100 nm, 5% to 30% by weight of a polymer B) in solution in water, 10% to 50% by weight of a blowing agent C), 1% to 5% by weight of an emulsifier D), 0.01% to 5% by weight of a crosslinker E) which is reactive with the polymer B), and also the foam obtainable by the process, and the use of the foam.

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: The invention relates to a coating composition comprising a) from 20 to 70% by weight, in particular from 30 to 50% by weight, of a clay mineral, b) from 20 to 70% by weight, in particular from 30 to 50% by weight, of an alkali metal silicate, c) from 1 to 30% by weight, in particular from 5 to 20% by weight, of a film-forming polymer, and also to a process for producing coated foam particles and foam moldings produced therefrom and their use.

Abstract: A foamed composition adapted to seal to a substrate is provided. The foamed composition includes a radiation curable rubber, a photoinitiator, a blowing agent, a styrene-ethylene/butylene block copolymer, a light mineral oil, rheology modifier, a tackifier, and one of a radiation curable monomer and radiation curable oligomer, and wherein the composition is foamed upon application to the substrate.

Abstract: Specific polymer blends of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and poly-(butylenes adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) as a fatty acid quaternary ammonium modified clay. The blends are particularly useful for barrier packaging.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a composition or set of compositions and method for producing cellular, foamed, or blown fluoropolymers such as perfluoropolymers and other thermoplastics to create a lower cost communications cable, conductor separator, conductor support-separator, jacketing, tape, wire insulation and in some cases a conduit tube as individual components or combined configurations that exhibit improved electrical, flammability and optical properties. Specifically, the foamable or blown perfluoropolymer cellular insulation composition comprises; talc and the selected fluoropolymers such as perfluoropolymers. Compounded pellets including inorganic and organic fillers resulting in products in cellular or foamable form with and without solid skin surfaces has also been realized by providing melt combinations within the pellets primarily comprising talc and a perfluoropolymer, and additives as needed to provide desired property differentiation.

Abstract: A steel plate-reinforcing material of a type giving vibration-damping performance to a steel plate including a restricted layer and a thermosetting foamed viscoelasticity layer, as tackifiers included in said thermosetting foamed viscoelasticity layer, the tackifiers including a terpene system resin, an aliphatic series system petroleum resin and an aromatic series system petroleum resin are used, a fiber is added to the thermosetting foamed viscoelasticity layer.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to foam of polymers, which can be made by a method for making a polymer foam comprising vacuum or gas-filled compartments by making a solution of 1 to 20% by weight of a polymer in a solvent; adding particles to the a polymer solution; solidifying the polymer wherein the particles are contained by heating, cooling, ageing, or coagulating to obtain a polymer foam or matrix comprising the particles, and obtaining from the polymer matrix the polymer foam containing the compartments; and optionally washing, drying, and/or heating the polymer foam.

Abstract: A manufacturing method and a foaming manufacturing method of polymethyl methacrylate/silica composite material are disclosed. At first, synthesize silica by a sol-gel process. Then, prepare polymethyl methacrylate/silica composite material by bulk polymerization. At last, prepare polymethyl methacrylate/silica foam nanocomposite material from polymethyl methacrylate/silica composite material by a foaming method.

Abstract: A foamed starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder in the presence of a blowing agent. The foams are biodegradable.

Abstract: A composition containing at least one epoxy resin, at least one phenol compound that is solid at room temperature, at least one polyether amine, at least one propellant, at least one hardener, at least one filler suitable for manufacturing structural foams that are notable for ductile behavior under compressive or flexural loading, i.e. an elastic deformation is observed under compressive load or in the three-point flexural test.

Abstract: Expandable, thermally curable compositions containing at least one epoxy resin, at least one polyester, at least one blowing agent, and at least one curing agent are useful as adhesives and structural reinforcement materials. When foamed and adhered to a metal substrate surface, such polyester-modified foamable compositions can exhibit improved adhesion to the substrate surface after exposure to a corrosive environment, as compared to compositions that do not contain polyester. Furthermore, these compositions can exhibit improved flow properties in the uncured state at temperatures between 50 and 100° C. They are granulatable, with the granules produced thereby having non-tacky surfaces at room temperature and being capable of being readily processed into molded objects by injection molding processes.

Abstract: Foamable, isocyanate-functional organopolysiloxanes with more uniform molecular weights are produced by reaction of an aminoalkyl or hydroxyalkyl functional organopolysiloxane with a stoichiometric excess of a di- or polysiocyanate in the presence of a compatibilizer which provides a homogenous reaction mixture.

Abstract: Room-temperature vulcanized (RTV) foaming compositions are disclosed. The compositions include at least one enoxysilyl functional group and/or at least one alkoxysilyl functional group, at least one amine catalyst, and at least one silicon hydride functional group. Also disclosed are methods of preparing such compositions and methods of using such compositions, methods for making a gasket, and articles of manufacture.

Abstract: Polymer foam compositions include as a blowing agent an inorganic or organic compound containing liquid of crystallization or intercalation. Foams of good physical properties can be obtained thereby.