Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to produce polystyrene foam comprising mixing a predetermined amount of masterbatch mix and a styrenic polymer, heating this mixture, injecting CO.sub.2 and/or nitrogen, in gas or liquid form, as a blowing agent and subsequently extruding, cooling and drying the resulting polystyrene foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the forming of extruded foam products such as backer rods which are of a cross-linked polyethylene. Disazo condensation color pigments have been found to be particularly suitable as relative fast cross-linking occurs after extrusion. Use of traditional inorganic color pigments substantially impede the cross-linking mechanism. The invention is also directed to a method of forming such cross-linked products.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing foams exhibiting a uniformly small cell size, a minimum number of ruptured cell walls and a smooth surface from foamable curable compositions comprises means to transport the ingredients of a foamable, curable composition to the input of a static mixer in which the ingredients of the composition are blended to homogeneity prior to being extruded into an exit zone and through an exit orifice. The length to diameter ratio of the mixing zone and the diameter of the exit orifice are within specified ranges.

Abstract: Starch-based biodegradable packaging fillers are provided which have high volumes, low weights, and excellent compressibility and resiliency properties. The products of the invention are fabricated by extrusion of a starch substrate, most preferably normal wheat starch, in the presence of minor amounts of a polyalkylene glycol or derivative thereof and/or a particulate bubble-nucleating agent. Effective biodegradable packaging fillers can thus be fabricated without the use of expensive modified starch substrates; however, such substrates can also be employed if desired, and the additives of the invention improve these products as well. In preferred production procedures, the additives are mixed with the starch substrate, and the mixture is preconditioned and then extruded through a twin screw extruder.

Abstract: The introduction of a foamable silicone rubber composition that evolves neither toxic gas nor hydrogen, that does not suffer from inhibition of its cure to give silicone rubber, and that cures to give a silicone rubber foam containing uniform microcells. The foamable silicone rubber composition comprises:(A) 100 weight parts thermosetting liquid silicone rubber composition, and(B) 0.1 to 30 weight parts thermally expansible hollow plastic microparticles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the process and apparatus for compounding and pelletizing of chemical foaming agents in a high melt resin carrier and producing unique, uniform encapsulated and pelletized chemical foaming concentrates. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the compounding, encapsulating and pelletizing in a high melt resin carrier a highly loaded concentration (5 to 70 wt %) of foaming agents which include an endothermic foaming agent, an exothermic foaming agent or hybrid combinations of these two such that when incorporated into a thermoplastic resin to produce a foamed product will chemically react to form a mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen or hydrogen as the active foaming agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to new nucleating agents for the preparation of directly gassed thermoplastic foams. The new agents comprise a combination of citric acid, the salts or esters thereof and carbonate or bicarbonate and talc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to produce polystyrene foam comprising mixing a predetermined amount of masterbatch mix and a styrenic polymer, heating this mixture, injecting CO.sub.2 and/or nitrogen, in gas or liquid form, as a blowing agent and subsequently extruding, cooling and drying the resulting polystyrene foam.

Abstract: A room temperature vulcanizable, foamable polysiloxane composition is described, which comprises:(A) a specific type of .alpha., .omega.-dihydroxyorganopolysiloxane which has a surface tension of not lower than 22 dynes/cm at 25.degree. C.;(B) a specific type of organopolyhydroxypolysiloxane;(C) a polyorganohydrogensiloxane which has at least two units of the following general formula in one moleculeR.sup.5.sub.a H.sub.b SiO.sub.(4-(a+b))/2wherein R.sup.5 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group except for aliphatic unsaturated hydrocarbon group, a is an integer of 0 to 2, and b is an integer of from 0 to 3 provided that the total of a+b is an integer of from 1 to 3;(D) an unsubstituted or substituted alcohol having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; and(E) a platinum catalyst.The composition has a high degree of foaming and the foamed product obtained from the composition has good foaming stability and good tensile strength.

Abstract: A water-vapor permeable, waterproof coated fabric having a fibrous base fabric, and a porous film coated on one side of the base fabric. The porous film comprises a synthetic polymer composed mainly of a polyurethane resin and inorganic fine particles having a mean particle diameter of not more than 0.1 .mu.m. In the porous film, microcells intercommunicate in the thicknesswise direction of the film to form a honeycomb skin core structure having a diameter of 1 to 20 .mu.m. The porous film has a multiplicity of micropores having a diameter of not more than 1 .mu.m. The coated fabric has waterproof and water-vapor permeability characteristics sufficient to meet such performance characteristics required in various applications, such as rainwears, military garments, and sportswears.

Abstract: In accordance with the present method for preparing an elastomeric silicone foam, an inert gas is injected under superatmospheric pressure during or after the merging of a silanol-containing organopolysiloxane that is liquid at room temperature an organohydrogenpolysiloxane that is liquid at room temperature, and hydrosilation catalyst, the merging step is followed by mechanical mixing in an enclosed chamber, at which time the mixture is ejected into the atmosphere. Completion of cure with simultaneous evolution of hydrogen occur under atmospheric pressure with the reactive ingredients and the inert gas all present in a homogeneously microdispersed/mixed state. The present method stabilizes the cells formed by the hydrogen and makes possible the development of a large quantity of cells of uniform size and uniform distribution, resulting in a high-expansion ratio foam.

Abstract: A method to prepare uniform populations of macroscopic beads containing pores of at least 0.1 microns diameter is described. The beads consist essentially of a copolymer of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer and a crosslinking polyethylenically unsaturated monomer, said resulting copolymer optionally being derivatized with functional groups, linking moieties, and/or affinity ligands. The macroporous beads are obtained by utilizing, as porogen in the polymerization reaction, porous inorganic particles which have been preabsorbed with a blowing agent. The blowing agent is not activated until after the polymerization takes place; when the blowing agent is activated, the organic polymer which isolates the inorganic porogen particles from each other in the bead is destroyed. Upon subsequent dissolution of the inorganic porogen, a network of pores throughout the organic copolymer-formed particle is formed. The resulting beads are useful in a variety of chromatographic, analytical and biomedical techniques.

Abstract: A microporous sheet comprising a polymeric matrix having a liquid insoluble, particulate, activated polysaccharide media dispersed therein; use of the sheet in affinity chromatography or ion-exchange chromatography or as a biochemical reactor or battery separator; processes for manufacturing the sheet; apparatus containing the microporous sheet as its active element; and methods for using such sheet.

Abstract: Open-pored moldings containing the product of the foaming and setting of (a) an aluminum fluorosilicate glass, (b) at least one polycarboxylic acid with an average molecular weight of >500, (c) a foaming agent, other than carbonates and/or hydrogen-carbonates, (d) optionally a chelating agent and (e) water, are suitable in particular as bone substitute material.Production is carried out by homogeneously mixing (a), (b), (c), optionally (d), and (e), then foaming, shaping and setting.

Abstract: A high temperature endothermic blowing agent which is a mixture of a polycarboxylic acid and an inorganic carbonate, the polycarboxylic acid and inorganic carbonate each having been surface treated with a component which prevents water from being absorbed thereby. The blowing agent is incorporated into a polymer and used for producing foamed products.

Abstract: A composite foam of low thermal conductivity comprisesa) 20-80% by volume of silica aerogel particles having a mean diameter of from 0.1 to 20 mm and a density of from 0.08 to 0.40 g/cm.sup.3,b) 20-80% by volume of a styrene polymer foam which surrounds the particles of component a) and binds them to one another and has a density of from 0.01 to 0.15 g/cm.sup.3, and, if desired,c) conventional additives in effective amounts.

Abstract: The disadvantages associated with using a platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction to prepare sponge products from curable organosiloxane compositions can be overcome by microencapsulating the platinum-containing catalyst in a thermoplastic organic or organosilicone polymer.

Abstract: An acrylic rubber composition is proposed which is improved in respect of the extrusion-moldability as well as the surface slipperiness of the vulcanized article obtained therefrom. The composition comprises (a) an acrylic rubbery cooplymer which is a copolymer of a (meth)acrylic ester and a coolymerizable organosilicon compound having a silicon-bonded vinyl group in a molecule, (b) a reinforcing filler, (c) a powder of spherical particles having a specified average particle diameter and (d) an organic peroxide as a vulcanizing agent. The composition can be compounded further with a blowing agent to give a foamable rubber composition capable of being vulcanized into a spongy rubber body exhibiting excellent feeling on touch and slipperiness in contact with human skin to be useful, for example, as a material of cosmetic puffs.

Abstract: A microporous particulate-filled thermoplastic polymeric article is provided. The article can be in the form of a film, a fiber, or a tube. The article has a thermoplastic polymeric structure having a plurality of interconnected passageways to provide a network of communicating pores. The microporous structure contains discrete submicron or low micron-sized particulate filler, the particulate filler being substantially non-agglomerated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a production process of foamed polymer particles, wherein particles of a polymer, which contain a silica-alumina absorbent in which the molar ratio of SiO.sub.2 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 is at least 1.15:1 are dispersed in a dispersion medium in the presence of carbon dioxide in a closed vessel, the resultant dispersion is heated to a temperature not lower than the softening temperature of the polymer to impregnate the polymer particles with carbon dioxide, and the polymer particles and the dispersion medium are then released into an atmosphere of a pressure lower than the internal pressure of the vessel, thereby expanding the polymer particles. The polymer may be an uncrosslinked propylene polymer, uncrosslinked, linear low-density polyethylene or crosslinked polymer.

Abstract: The specification describes and claims a method of making silicone foam compositions comprising the steps of introducing into a moulding cavity a quantity of foamable silicone compositions which is curable at room, or slightly elevated, temperature and bring about curing in the cavity to produce a cured silicone foam. The moulding cavity is closed prior to foaming thereby restricting expansion of the foam. The volume of the closed moulding cavity is a minimum 10% less than that which would be occupied by the composition if it foamed and cured at room temperature without restriction. Lower density foams formed by the above procedure may be converted into rigid elastomeric low density materials by a heat or microwave post cure. For a given composition and foam density the fire resistance of a foam produced by a method according to the invention is greater than a foam which is allowed to foam freely.

Abstract: A composite foam of low thermal conductivity comprisesa) 20-80% by volume of silica aerogel particles having a mean diameter of from 0.1 to 20 mm and a density of from 0.08 to 0.40 g/cm.sup.3,b) 20-80% by volume of styrene polymer foam which surrounds the particles of component a) and binds them to one another and has a density of from 0.01 to 0.15 g/cm.sup.3, and, if desired,c) conventional additives in effective amounts.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymers having a particle diameter of from 0.025 to 0.3 mm and coated with 0.5% by weight or more of a finely divided solid having a melting point above 120.degree. C. are used as a heat-insulating filler for lightweight plaster.

Abstract: A process for preparing a silicone sponge roll, which comprises uniformly mixing a foamable silicone composition comprising (A) a vinyl-free organopolysiloxane R.sub.a SiO.sub.(4-a)/2 wherein R is a monovalent hydrocarbon or hydroxyl group and a is 1.95 to 2.05, (B) a finely divided silica filler, (C) an azodicarbonamide foaming agent, and (D) a diacyl peroxide, thereafter extruding the composition through an extruder, and thereafter foaming and vulcanizing the composition. The silicon sponge roll produced is suitable to form a fixing roll for use in electrographic copying machines.

Abstract: A stabilized powdered endothermic blowing agent which is a mixture of a polycarboxylic acid and an inorganic carbonate, the polycarboxylic acid and inorganic carbonate each having been surface treated with a component which prevents water from being absorbed thereby. The blowing agent is incorporated into a polymeric concentrate used for producing foamed products.

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

Abstract: The foamable silicone rubber composition is capable of giving a cured silicone rubber body having a cellular structure and suitable for use as a very reliable fire-resistant joint-sealing member in buildings. In addition to the rather conventional constituents essential in a foamable silicone rubber composition of prior art including (a) a diorganopolysiloxane, (b) a finely divided reinforcing silica filer, (f) a curing agent and (g) a blowing agent, the foamed silicone rubber body obtained by curing the inventive composition is imparted with very reliable fire resistance by virtue of the synergistic effect of the characteristic ingredients including (c) a ferrite powder, (d) a finely divided inorganic material or, in particular, mica flakes, and (e) a platinum compound, in combination, each in a specified amount.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, low density, non-outgassing ethylenic polymer foam containing 30-85% open cells and the remainder closed cells and having an essentially integral surface. The foam possesses superior compression recovery and lower compression resistance when compared with similarly comprised ethylenic closed cell foams and superior moisture resistance and handling characteristics when compared to open cell foams.

Abstract: A water-base endothermic fire protective material comprising a heat curable thermosetting resin, inorganic fibers, an endothermic inorganic filler, and thermoplastic binder resin is disclosed. The material can vary in viscosity from a putty that is moldable or trowelable into place to a thin paste that can be sprayed to form a flexible and stable fire stop seal or coating. The material with essentially no shrinkage retains strength and adhesion qualities before and after exposure to fire and retains superior resistance to the impact, erosion, and cooling effects of a hose stream used to combat a fire.

Abstract: An air permeable sheet-like structure comprising 20% to 60% by weight of single discrete reinforcing fibres having a high modulus of elasticity (as herein defined), and being between about 7 and about 50 millimeters long and 40% to 80% by weight of wholly or substantially unconsolidated elements of thermoplastics material, and in which the fibrous and thermoplastics components are bonded into an air permeable structure, at least some of said elements of thermoplastics material each having a first dimension of not more than 1 millimeters, a second dimension of between 1.5 millimeters and 30 millimeters, a total volume of not more than 30 cubic millimeters and a surface area to volume ratio greater than about 4:1, with any further elements of thermoplastics material present each having a volume of less than about 1.8 cubic millimeters.

Abstract: Porous, rigid resin particles are prepared having a predetermined particle size distribution, surface area and porosity by polymerizing in the pores of porous inorganic template particles a reaction mixture comprising monovinyl monomers, polyvinyl crosslinking monomers and a polymerization initiator in a liquid medium in which the monomers and initiator are phase separable and extractable therefrom into the pores of the template particles. The extracted mixture is polymerized in the pores of the template particles, and the template particles are removed without destruction of the polymerizate. The isolated polymerizate mirrors the characteristics of the template particles. The surface of the polymerizate may be modified in various ways to contain desired functionality. The particles of the invention are useful in chromatography, adsorption, ion exchange, and in catalysis.

Abstract: Compositions for producing foamed products which include additives and blowing agents which cause the surface treatment additives to migrate to the surfaces of foamed products. The products produced from the compositions require less additives because the incorporated additives are concentrated at the surface thereof.

Abstract: An efficient method for the preparation of a foamed and cured silicone rubber body having a uniform fine-cellular structure, in which a foamable silicone rubber composition is prepared by uniformly compounding a diorganopolysiloxane, finely divided silica filler, titanium dioxide powder, blowing agent and curing agent, each in a specified weight proportion, and irradiating the thus prepared composition with microwaves having a frequency of 900 to 5000 MHz which, by virtue of the titanium dioxide powder having a high dielectric constant, are efficiently absorbed and converted to heat, whereby the composition is evenly heated throughout the body to cause uniform foaming and curing.

Abstract: Construction materials prepared from recycled polymeric material containing primarily polyolefins such as high density polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and polypropylene homopolymers and copolymers are useful for profiled extruded forms such as fence posts, door frames, rails, railway sleepers, and other applications where lumber is conventionally employed. The compositions of the invention contain, in addition to the mixed plastic matrix, reactive compatibilizers, impact modifiers, and reinforcing agents. When desired, foaming agents may also be employed. The recycled mixed plastic materials have been subject to at least one high temperature processing step when used in their original application. Such plastics differ in physical and chemical composition from virgin material.

Abstract: A foamable silicone rubber composition comprising:(A) a particular diorganopolysiloxane,(B) a powdery silica filler,(C) a particular conductive metallic oxide powder,(D) a foaming agent, and(E) a vulcanizing agent. This composition can be cured by ultra high frequency vulcanization to produce a cured silicone rubber foam.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, microporous film is provided having high tensile strength and good air and water vapor transmission rates therethrough while being substantially impenetrable to liquid water. This film is prepared by stretching a casting of a composition of a polyolefin and high levels of CaCO.sub.3 or glass beads and calcium stearate in two directions from 1.5-7 times in each direction to produce a film having a Gurley porosity of from 0.1 to 85 seconds. This film is especially useful for disposable items such as feminine panty liners, diapers, bed sheets, and hospital gowns. When glass beads are substituted for the CaCO.sub.3, the film is useful for battery separators.

Abstract: Active and elastic foamed materials useful for heating elements and medical materials comprising a foamed matrix of natural rubber, synthetic rubber or synthetic resin and an active substance contained therein, the active substance being zircon or zirconium complex compound and the content of said substance being 20-150 wt % to the foamed matrix.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a foamable organopolysiloxane composition capable of giving, by foaming and curing at room temperature, a silicone rubber foam of high foaming expansion having very uniform and dense cellular structure. The composition is prepared by a process comprising the steps of: (A) compounding an .alpha.,.omega.-dihydroxy dimethylpolysiloxane with a reinforcing silica filler, hexamethyl disilazane and water as the hydrolysis agent of the silazane to give a compound; (B) removing ammonia in the compound formed by the hydrolysis of the silazane compound as completely as possible; and (C) compounding the compound with a polyhydroxy methylpolysiloxane, an organohydrogenpolysiloxane and a platinum compound as a catalyst for the dehydrogenation reaction between the silanolic hydroxy groups and the silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms to produce hydrogen as the foaming gas.

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

Abstract: A foamed cellular body of a cured silicone rubber composition can be obtained in a continuous process by irradiating a foamable silicone rubber composition containing, in addition to conventional diorganopolysiloxane, finely divided silica filler, blowing agent and crosslinking agent, a substantial amount of a dielectric inorganic powder, which is an iron oxide or a ferrite, with UHF microwaves. When the silicone rubber composition as molded is irradiated with UHF microwaves, the energy of the microwaves absorbed by the dielectric powder is efficiently converted into heat so that the molded body can be very evenly heated to effect foaming vulcanization of the composition giving a foamed and cured silicone rubber article having an excellently fine and uniform cellular structure.

Abstract: A foamed article of a chlorinated vinyl chloride resin containing an inorganic material, which contains an inorganic fibrous material in an amount of not less than 0.003 g per 1 cm.sup.3 of the article or inorganic particles in an amount of not less than 0.06 g per 1 cm.sup.3 of the article and which has dimensional retention of not less than 70% when the article is heated at 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of making thermal insulating products comprising porous, lightweight, high temperature resistant inorganic particles in a polyimide foam matrix and the product thereof. A polyimide precursor powdered is mixed with about equal weight of flake-like porous inorganic particles to substantially uniformly coat the particles with powder. The mixture is placed in a mold and compressed slightly. The assembly is heated to the foaming temperature of the polyimide precursor for a period suitable to produce uniform foaming. Then the temperature is raised to the curing and crosslinking temperature of the precursor for a time period sufficient to produce complete cure. A high temperature and flame resistant, light weight, highly insulating product results. If desired, protective sheets of material may be bonded to selected product surfaces during or after the molding operation.

Abstract: A fire-retardant coating material includes a fluid intumescent material and conductive particles of various sizes dispersed or suspended therein for particular applications. The fluid intumescent material includes a foaming agent, a blowing agent gas source, a carbonific or charring agent, a film-forming binder, a solvent and, in some cases, a pigment or filler. The conductive particles are formed of a substrate and a conductive coating.

Abstract: An aqueous compact composition comprising an aqueous adhesive copolymer emulsion, the adhesive composition having a durometer measured on the type A scale by ASTM D2240 of at least 20, and a blowing agent. The aqueous contact adhesive composition is applied as a coating to a surface of each of two substrates, then foamed, and substantially dried to provide a dry cellular adhesive coating. The adhesive-coated surfaces are then joined. The preferred contact adhesive composition comprises a vinyl acetate/ethylene/N-methylolacrylamide copolymer emulsion and contains colloidal silica.

Abstract: The composition comprises polyolefins, fillers and a plasticizer. It contains 0.2 to 20 wt. % etoxysiloxane, 5 to 60 wt. % polyolefin, 10 to 60 wt. % white black filler, and 10 to 75 wt. % polyethyleneglycol, petroleum oil or dioctylphtalate. The polyolefin can be high-density polyethylene with a melt index at a standard charging up to 6, superhigh-molecular polyethylene, polypropylene, or a mixture of polypropylene and polyethylene, or of high-density polyethylene and super-high-molecular polyethylene at as ratio of 0 to 100 wt. parts high-density polyethylene for every 100 wt. parts super-high-molecular polyethylene. The composition is prepared by treating the filler with etoxysiloxane at room temperature, then adding the polyolefin and the plasticizer to form a mixture, and then homogenizing the mixture in a cold state or with heating. With this composition are prepared microporous separators having an average pore size of below 0.05.mu., and having high physicomechanical properties.

Abstract: A microporous particulate-filled thermoplastic polymeric article is provided. The article can be in the form of a film, a fiber, or a tube. The article has a thermoplastic polymeric structure having a plurality of interconnected passageways to provide a network of communicating pores. The microporous structure contains discrete submicron or low micron-sized particulate filler, the particulate filler being substantially non-agglomerated.

Abstract: Low viscosity elastomeric silicone foam compositions are produced which do not bleed, split or rupture with cure where viscosity is controlled by controlling the content of the vinyl containing polysiloxane portion of the foam.

Abstract: A fireproof, compressible, intumescent, elastomeric material useful to seal expansion joints, curtain wall gaps and penetrations in floors and walls in order to prevent the passage of flame and smoke. A seal of the material retains strength before and after exposure to fire and provides superior resistance to the impact, erosion, and cooling effects of a hose stream used to combat a fire. The composition of this compressible, fireproof material consists of elastomers, vulcanizing agents, fillers, softening agents, and an intumescent. This fireproof material may be in cellular or noncellular form with various degrees of compressibility and softness. It can be produced in sheets, molded parts, and continuous length strips. It may be vulcanized or nonvulcanized.

Abstract: Sterically hindered cyclic amines which are substituted by a photoactivatable acyl group at the basic nitrogen atom can be deacylated by irradiation with UV light. This is advantageous if the basicity of the amines proves troublesome during application. Examples of such photoactivatable acyl groups are phenylglyoxyl, phenylacetyl or naphthylacetyl groups.