Abstract: A porous polymeric matrix containing at least one natural polymer and at least one synthetic polymer and optionally at least one cation. Furthermore, a method of making a porous polymeric matrix involving mixing at least one natural polymer and inorganic salts with a solution comprising at least one solvent and at least one synthetic polymer to form a slurry, casting the slurry in a mold and removing the solvent to form solid matrices, immersing the solid matrices in deionized water to allow natural polymer cross-linking and pore creation to occur simultaneously, and drying the matrices to create a porous polymeric matrix; wherein the matrix contains a cation.

Abstract: Cellular and multi-cellular polystyrene and polystyrenic foams and methods of forming such foams are disclosed. The foams include an expanded polystyrene formed from expansion of an expandable polystyrene including an adsorbent comprising alumina, wherein the multi-cellular polystyrene exhibits a multi-cellular size distribution. The process for forming a foamed article includes providing a formed styrenic polymer and contacting the formed styrenic polymer with a first blowing agent and an adsorbent comprising alumina to form extrusion polystyrene. The process further includes forming the extrusion styrenic polymer into an expanded styrenic polymer and forming the expanded styrenic polymer into a foamed article.

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: The invention is directed to a masterbatch comprising a nucleating organic compound which, on changing to the solid phase, forms crystals and which in its melt phase is soluble in the molten polyethylene and polyethylene. The ingredients of this masterbatch are applied as a nucleating agent masterbatch during the production of polyethylene foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing polyhydroxyalkanoate oligomers and/or polymers of reduced molecular weight, which comprises reacting at least one polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) with at least one carbonate salt at a temperature of from 50° C. to 300° C., preferably from 120° C. to 200° C. The above reaction allows a controlled degradation of the PHA chains which yields oligomers and/or polymers having a controlled molecular weight, which can be modulated in view of the specific application for which the oligomers and/or polymers are intended. Moreover, during the reaction carbon dioxide evolves which produces a foamed material which can be easily processed on an industrial scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of a blowing agent in the form of of nanoparticles of an inorganic carbonate, and an acid. The acid is capable of being liquefied by heating to be reactive with the carbonate to release carbon dioxide that is useful as a blowing agent in all types of organic foams. The blowing agent, optionally pelletized in a suitable polymer carrier, is useful as a heat-activated blowing agent additive in polymer compositions.

Abstract: Provided herein are bimodal porous polymer microspheres comprising macropores and micropores. Also provided herein are methods and apparatus for fabrication such microspheres. Further provided herein are methods of using bimodal porous polymer microspheres.

Abstract: A thermoplastic compound is disclosed, comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate and an effective amount of a nucleating agent of surface treated precipitated calcium carbonate. Optionally the compound also includes additional polymers and functional additives to modify physical properties of the compound. Molded or extruded plastic articles can be made from the compound. The compound has a crystallization temperature of more than about 108° C.

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: The invention provides polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams and methods for the preparation thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to closed-celled, polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams and methods for their preparation. The foams are characterized by a fine uniform cell structure and little or no foam collapse. The foams are produced with a polyol premix composition which comprises a combination of a hydrohaloolefin blowing agent, a polyol, a silicone surfactant, and a non-amine catalyst used alone or in combination with an amine catalyst.

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: The present invention relates to glass compositions for use in formation of polycarboxylate cements and polycarboxylate cements comprising these glasses, wherein the glasses comprise SiO2 and MgO, with a molar percentage of SiO2 not exceeding 60% and a molar percentage of MgO being greater than 20%.

Abstract: A method for forming a fire resistant material is disclosed. The method comprises providing a plurality of expandable beads of a polymeric material. The beads are coated with an exfoliable graphite. The exfoliable graphite is adhered to the beads with a resin having a solubility parameter of the polymeric material. The beads are thereafter caused or allowed expand and fuse.

Abstract: A constrained layer damping structure is provided, including a panel to be damped, a constraining layer and a layer of foam vibration damping material sandwiched therebetween. In one embodiment, the foam vibration damping material is provided from a composition including 5-50 weight percent polyvinyl butyral, 2-20 weight percent plasticizer, 25-65 weight percent filler, 1-15 weight percent tackifier, and 0.1-8 weight percent blowing agent, wherein the composition includes 15-65 weight percent total thermoplastic inclusive of polyvinyl butyral. In a further embodiment, the polyvinyl butyral is provided as recycled material from recycled auto glass, and includes a small quantity of plasticizer, typically but not necessarily of the phthalate-type or hexanoate-type.

Abstract: Disclosed are porous material having hierarchical pore structure and preparation method thereof. A method of synthesizing a nanoporous material having high functionality as a support for bioactive material is combined with a three-dimensional rapid prototyping technique. Thereby, the porous material of the invention has interconnected pores of respective size regions and uneven surface corresponding to each size region, and thus conditions favorable for adhesion, division, proliferation, movement, and differentiation of cells are provided, thereby exhibiting efficient applications in various fields, in addition to bone fillers, restorative materials, and scaffolds.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process and respective installation for continuous production of foamed polymeric sheets by extrusion, another object of the invention being the development and use of polypropylene-based formulations comprising linear polypropylenes and branched polypropylenes. The installation includes four stages: a first stage of extrusion foaming, in which a foaming agent, either of a chemical or physical nature, in the latter case introduced in supercritical conditions, is mixed with the polymeric mass melted previously in the first stages of the extruder, the material expanding exactly at the outlet of the lips of the planar extrusion head; a second stage of calibration and cooling of the foamed sheet, in which the expanded plastic material is cooled by contact in a system of vacuum calibrators and by contact with water in a cooling bath; a stage of collection of the foamed panel; and a final stage of cutting of the foamed sheet, defining the final dimensions thereof.

Abstract: A method for forming a fire resistant material is disclosed. The method comprises providing a plurality of expandable beads of a polymeric material. The beads are coated with an exfoliable graphite. The exfoliable graphite is adhered to the beads with a resin having a solubility parameter of the polymeric material. The beads are thereafter caused or allowed to expand and fuse.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing a foam comprising at least one antimicrobial active, comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a solution or dispersion comprising at least one precondensate of the foam to be produced and at least one antimicrobial active, (2) foaming the precondensate by heating the solution or dispersion of step (1) to obtain a foam comprising at least one antimicrobial active, and (3) heat treating the foam obtained in step (2) at a temperature in the range from 120 to 300° C., a foam thus produced, a shaped article comprising such a foam and the use of such a foam for thermal and acoustical insulation of buildings and parts of buildings, thermal and acoustical insulation of the interiors of land, air and sea vehicles, low-temperature insulation, as an insulating wall cladding, as an insulating and shock-absorbing packaging material, as abrasive cleaning, grinding and polishing sponges, in the hygiene sector and as a filter material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of preparing a continuous, porous metal oxide monolith in a container. The method involves providing a reaction mixture containing a metal salt or metal alkoxide compound, a solvent, and a porogenic reagent. Next, an epoxide is added to the reaction mixture under conditions effective to initiate condensation and polymerization of the reaction mixture. Then, a container is filled with the reaction mixture after epoxide addition to obtain a continuous, porous metal oxide monolith in the container. The present invention also discloses columns including a tubular container and a continuous, porous Group IV metal oxide monolith in contact with the inner walls of the tubular container, where the Group IV metal oxide monolith is free of any support or matrix material, and other articles including a continuous, porous Group IV metal oxide monolith, where the metal oxide monolith is free of any support or matrix material.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator is made of a rubber latex foam which has been solidified by microwave irradiation. The foam satisfies (i) a bubble fineness corresponding to 9 bubbles/mm2 or more, (ii) flexibility of 0.7 N/cm2 or less in initial Young's modulus indicated by 50% compressive stress, and (iii) bulk density of 0.14 g/cm3 or less.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes aerogel composites comprising organic-inorganic hybrid aerogel particulates and binders, in particular systems with aerogel and binders covalently bonded along with methods for preparing the same. Said composites can be formed into articles having complex geometries.

Abstract: Gelled biopolymer based foams are disclosed. The gelled foams comprise a cross-linked biopolymer, preferably alginate; optionally, a foaming agent such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose; and a plasticizer, preferably glycerin sorbitol, or a mixture thereof, that forms the predominant portion of the gelled foam. The foams are soft and pliable and have high absorbency. They are used as wound dressing materials, controlled release delivery systems, cell culture, barrier media for preventing tissue adherence, and bioabsorbable implants. They also have various personal care applications, especially in oral hygiene, and can be used in food applications.

Abstract: Gelled biopolymer based foams are disclosed. The gelled foams comprise a cross-linked biopolymer, preferably alginate; optionally, a foaming agent such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose; and a plasticizer, preferably glycerin sorbitol, or a mixture thereof, that forms the predominant portion of the gelled foam. The foams are soft and pliable and have high absorbency. They are used as wound dressing materials, controlled release delivery systems, cell culture, barrier media for preventing tissue adherence, and bioabsorbable implants. They also have various personal care applications, especially in oral hygiene, and can be used in food applications.

Abstract: Gelled biopolymer based foams are disclosed. The gelled foams comprise a cross-linked biopolymer, preferably alginate; optionally, a foaming agent such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose; and a plasticizer, preferably glycerin sorbitol, or a mixture thereof, that forms the predominant portion of the gelled foam. The foams are soft and pliable and have high absorbency. They are used as wound dressing materials, controlled release delivery systems, cell culture, barrier media for preventing tissue adherence, and bioabsorbable implants. They also have various personal care applications, especially in oral hygiene, and can be used in food applications.

Abstract: Gelled biopolymer based foams are disclosed. The gelled foams comprise a cross-linked biopolymer, preferably alginate; optionally, a foaming agent such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose; and a plasticizer, preferably glycerin sorbitol, or a mixture thereof, that forms the predominant portion of the gelled foam. The foams are soft and pliable and have high absorbency. They are used as wound dressing materials, controlled release delivery systems, cell culture, barrier media for preventing tissue adherence, and bioabsorbable implants. They also have various personal care applications, especially in oral hygiene, and can be used in food applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a foamable resol type phenolic resin forming material comprising a liquid resol type phenolic resin, a foaming agent, a foam stabilizer, an additive and an acid curing agent, said additive containing a nitrogen-containing bridged cyclic compound and said foam stabilizer containing a chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon compound having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and a phenolic resin foam product obtained by foaming and curing this forming material.

Abstract: Composition for preparing a biodegradable polyurethane-based foam and a biodegradable polyurethane foam, comprising mixtures based on poly(hydroxybutyrate) polymer, polyols of renewable source, isocyanates and additives, with the object of preparing biodegradable polyurethane foams. In the process, the poly(hydroxybutyrate) plus the polyol, the isocyanate and the additives are previously mixed in specific mixers; once the homogenization is reached, the mixture is poured in mold for growing. After curing, the resulting product presents foam characteristics, with its density, toughness and cell size varying according to the proportion of the reagents and allowing the manufacture of several products.

Abstract: Processes for producing porous carbon foam composites and activated carbon/carbon (AC/C) composites from polyimide precursors, activated carbon powder, and optionally carbon fiber and other additives. The AC/C composites may be used for carbon electrodes in electrochemical capacitors.

Abstract: Novel magnesium hydroxide flame retardants, a method of making them from filter cakes, and their use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foam which comprises a foam matrix having essentially open cells and an impregnation comprising essentially fluorocarbon resin or silicone resin applied to the foam matrix. The impregnation additionally comprises at least one flame-retardant substance. The invention further relates to a process for producing a foam according to the invention.

Abstract: A porous polymeric matrix containing at least one natural polymer and at least one synthetic polymer and optionally at least one cation. Furthermore, a method of making a porous polymeric matrix involving mixing at least one natural polymer and inorganic salts with a solution comprising at least one solvent and at least one synthetic polymer to form a slurry, casting the slurry in a mold and removing the solvent to form solid matrices, immersing the solid matrices in deionized water to allow natural polymer cross-linking and pore creation to occur simultaneously, and drying the matrices to create a porous polymeric matrix; wherein the matrix contains a cation.

Abstract: A composition comprising: A) 50-99.9% by weight of at least a copolymer (1) of ethylene (E) with chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) wherein CTFE is comprised between 53 and 70% by moles, having a crystallinity in the range 5-45%; B) 0.1-50% by weight of a fine powder of a nucleating agent, having an average particle size lower than 50 micron and a melting temperature higher than 300° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a 5 crosslinked polymer foam, which comprises the following steps: (I) blending a polymer with a blowing agent, (II) forming the blend into a sheet, (III) crosslinking the sheet, and (IV) foaming the sheet, wherein the blowing agent is blended in an amount of 3 to 25 based on the total weight of the polyolefin and the blowing agent, and is composed of (A) 3 to 50% of one or more inorganic carbonates and (B) 50 to 97 of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of polycarboxylic acids, salts thereof, and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A foaming composition can be provided which is a fluororesin composition comprising a fluororesin and an electrical insulating whisker and which is foamed by being mixed with a foaming agent to reduce a diameter of cells. Thus, the diameter of cells of the foam obtained by foaming can be reduced. Further, a coaxial insulated cable can be provided in which an insulator layer made of this foam is arranged around a central conductor.

Abstract: Compositions foamable by exposure to microwave energy contain: (A) at least one compound bearing crosslinkable organic radicals for crosslinking, (B) at least one blowing agent which releases gas on heating, (C) at least one metal powder or metal compound, for example a metal oxide, individually, or a mixture thereof, which has microwave activity. Foams of uniform cell structure can be formulated with wide processing latitude.

Abstract: A constrained layer damping structure is provided, including a panel to be damped, a constraining layer and a layer of foam vibration damping material sandwiched therebetween. In one embodiment, the foam vibration damping material is provided from a composition including 5-50 weight percent polyvinyl butyral, 2-20 weight percent plasticizer, 25-65 weight percent filler, 1-15 weight percent tackifier, and 0.1-8 weight percent blowing agent, wherein the composition includes 15-65 weight percent total thermoplastic inclusive of polyvinyl butyral. In a further embodiment, the polyvinyl butyral is provided as recycled material from recycled auto glass, and includes a small quantity of plasticizer, typically but not necessarily of the phthalate-type or hexanoate-type.

Abstract: The particulate water absorbent has a cross-linking structure therein, and contains (i) a particulate water absorbent resin having a cross-linking structure on a surface therof and (ii) not less than 0.001 mass % and less than 10 mass % of anorganic acid multivalent metal salt whose molecule contains not less than seven carbon atoms. Futher, the particulate water absorbent contains 90 mass % of particles, whose particle diameter is not less than 106 ?m and 850 ?m, with respect to the particulate water absorbent.

Abstract: Expandable vinylaromatic polymers which comprise: a) a matrix obtained by polymerizing 50-100% by weight of one or more vinylaromatic monomers and 0.50% by weight of a copolymerizable monomer; b) 1-10% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an expanding agent englobed in the polymeric matrix; c) 0.05-25% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an inorganic filler homogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix with a substantially spherical granulometry, an average diameter ranging from 0.01 to 100 ?m, a refraction index higher than 1.6 and a white index, as defined in “Colour Index” (third edition published by the Society of Dyers and Colourists, 1982), equal to or lower than 22.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using foam to remove pollutants and/or heavy metals from a flowable media. The method may include providing a foam that may include cavities wherein the cavities may include an adsorbent composition of iron oxyhydroxy granules. The iron oxyhydroxy granules may have a BET surface area of >100 m2/g and a mean particle size of 0.1 mm-2 mm. The method may further include passing a flowable media containing pollutants and/or heavy metals through the foam wherein the pollutants and heavy metals may be removed from the flowable media by the iron oxyhydroxy granules. A method of manufacturing the foam is also disclosed. The method may include introducing an adsorbent composition into a liquid reaction composite to form a mixture and adding an isocyanate reaction component to the mixture to form the foam.

Abstract: A cellular thermoplastic polyolefin foam comprising at least one particulate additive in admixture with a polymer matrix is disclosed, along with a process and foamable gel for manufacturing the same, wherein the polyolefin matrix comprises at least one polymer resin graft-modified with at least one polar group selected from the group consisting of acid, acid ester, and acid anhydride, and salts thereof. The invention facilitates the manufacture of macrocellular foams useful for acoustic absorption having increased amounts of particulate additives that provide certain desired properties difficult to achieve without the particulate additives, such as improved flame retardancy.

Abstract: An expandable material and articles incorporating the same are disclosed. The material includes a polymeric admixture; a blowing agent; a curing agent; a tackifier; and optionally, a filler or fiber.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a dielectric resin foam which has high and uniform dielectric properties and is preferable for use as various dielectric materials. A dielectric resin foam obtained by expanding a resin composition comprising a synthetic resin and a fibrous and/or plate-like dielectric inorganic filler is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foam cushion, a method of making the foam cushion, and a method of using the foam cushion. The foam cushion is formed from: (a) at least one of rubber and a resin; (b) a blowing agent; (c) a polymeric adhesion modifier; (d) a decomposition accelerating agent, and (e) a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing porous and composite materials comprising steps of: freezing a complex containing at least one calcium salt selected from calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and hydroxyapatite and collagen, at least a part of which is gelatinized; and then lyophilizing the resultant. The porous and composite materials obtained by the method of the present invention have large pore diameters, high porosities, and adequate mechanical strengths and biodegradability. Thus, they are suitable for implants such as bone fillers, drug carriers for sustained-release, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain aromatic copolyetheresters that include hydroxyalkanoic acid residues, and processes for making the copolyetheresters, and articles containing the copolyetheresters. The copolyetheresters have desirable thermal properties, and can be used in forming shaped articles, such as films, coatings and laminates. The copolyetheresters are produced from a mixture of aromatic dicarboxylic acids, hydroxyalkanoic acids, a poly(alkylene ether) glycol, a glycol component, optional other glycol, optional branching agents, and optional color reducing agent components. Some of the copolyetheresters are biocompostable.

Abstract: A macrocellular foam is described having improved cell size and Fire-test-response Characteristics, among other features, which is obtained by selecting a particle size less than 1 micron for the flame retardant adjuvant. The inventors found that the amount of fire retardant adjuvant can be increased for a given foam cell size or the foam cell size can be increased for a given amount of fire retardant adjuvant, allowing the production of foams having exceptionally large, well-formed, cells that have excellent Fire-test-response Characteristics. The benefits are especially noteworthy in relation to thermoplastic foams and inorganic flame retardation adjuvants, due to the unexpected reduction in the nucleation effect of the adjuvant. The foams are useful for improving the acoustic performance of products that are required to meet certain Fire-test-response Characteristics.

Abstract: Nano-sized particles such as nano-clays can be mixed with polymers through either melt compounding or in-situ polymerization. By modifying the particle surface with various surfactants and controlling processing conditions, we are able to achieve either intercalated (partial dispersion) or exfoliated (full dispersion) nano-clay distribution in polymers with the clay content up to 35% by weight. When a blowing agent is injected into the nanocomposite in an extruder (a continuous mixer) or a batch mixer, polymeric foam can be produced. Supercritical carbon dioxide, an environmentally friendly, low-cost, non-flammable, chemically benign gas is used as the blowing agent. This process forms a microcellular foam with very high cell density (>109 cells/cc) and small cell size (<5 microns) can be achieved by controlling the CO2 content, melt and die temperature, and pressure drop rate.

Abstract: A fiber-free molding composition containing: (a) a binder selected from the group consisting of an epoxide, a polyisocyanate, a furane-resin-free phenolic resin, and mixtures thereof; and (b) a filler mixture containing: (i) an inorganic high-temperature-resistant filler; and (ii) a heat-activatable swelling agent.