Abstract: The invention provides a biodegradable thermoplastic composition made of soy protein, a plasticizing agent, a foaming agent, and water, that can be molded into biodegradable articles that have a foamed structure and are water-resistant with a high level of physical strength and/or thermal insulating properties.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an adhesive foamed product for use in a hollow component of a motorcar, includes the steps of mixing an adhesive resin, a foaming agent, a crosslinking agent, a foaming accelerator and a polymerizable monomer to thereby formulate a highly foamable composition, arranging the foamable composition thus formulated in the interior of a hollow component of a motorcar, and heating the foamable composition until it is foamed to have a shape corresponding substantially to the shape of the hollow component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expandable styrene polymers containing recycled polystyrene, having a recycled material content of from 10 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the polystyrene, to which alkyldi(2-hydroxyethyl)amines have been added during the polymerization.

Abstract: A method improves the adhesion of polyurethane foam to polycarbonate by providing reactive groups on the polycarbonate surface. The adhesion is further improved by utilizing a polyurethane mix with an isocyanate index greater than 82. Articles comprising polycarbonate and polyurethane foam adhered to the polycarbonate by the method of the instant invention, such as automobile dashboards, are also provided.

Abstract: A crosslinked foamed body obtained by subjecting a rubber compounded product comprising (A) a chlorinated ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer rubber, (B) a triazinethiol as a vulcanization agent, (C) an alkyl ammonium halide as a vulcanization promotor, and (D) a hydrazide-type blowing agent to two step vulcanization and foaming at a vulcanization temperature of 120.degree. to 140.degree. C. for a vulcanization time of 5 to 10 minutes in a first step and at a vulcanization temperature of 125.degree. to 160.degree. C. for a vulcanization time of 5 to 20 minutes in a second step, the second step vulcanization temperature being higher than the first step by at least 5.degree. C., so that the expansion factor will be 3 to 10 times. This crosslinked foamed body can be colored brilliantly, exhibit excellent weatherability, suppleness and shape retention as well as good outer appearance. This product is well usable, for example, as wet suits.

Abstract: Aminoplastic resin based on one or more amino derivatives and one or more aldehydes in which the amino derivative is melamine, glycoluril or their mixture in variable proportions and that the aldehyde is a product of formula (I) R--CHO where R=a dialkoxymethyl, 1,3-dioxolan 2-yl group optionally substituted on the vertex 4 and/or 5 by one or more alkyl groups or a 1,3-dioxan 2-yl group optionally substituted on vertices 4, 5 and/or 6 by one or more alkyl groups, optionally mixed with glyoxal, preparation process and use as a crosslinking agent for cellulose.

Abstract: The invention forms in situ carbon dioxide blown closed cell insulating foams in which blowing is achieved by the evolution of carbon dioxide resulting from partial hydrolysis of polyisocyanate (methyl diphenyl diisocyanate) by water in the resole. The invention uses no additional blowing agent. The reaction is fast and the resulting product has small, closed cells that exhibit long term thermal performance.

Abstract: A flexible closed cell polymeric foam contains expandable graphite as fire retardant. The foam is prepared by mixing a polymer, a curing agent, at least one blowing agent and an expandable graphite at a temperature of at least 100.degree. C. but below a temperature causing activation of the blowing agent to foam a foamable mixture and thereafter heating the foamable mixture to activate the blowing agent and cause foaming. The method of preparation may additionally include a curing step in which the foamable mixture is heated under pressure to activate simultaneously each of a curing agent, which is preferably a free radical curing agent, and a foaming agent. The foams are capable of meeting the US Federal Aviation Authority Standards, especially the oil burner test of FAR 25 Appendix F, part II.

Abstract: This invention is a composition, a kit to prepare the composition, cellular sheet made from the composition and thermoformed articles made from the sheet, in which the composition comprises polyethylene terephthalate, sufficient inert gas to give a sheet density of 0.4 to 1.25 gm/cc, a polytetrafluoroethylene nucleating agent and optionally a polyolefin additive and a heat stabilizer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rigid foamed product includes the steps of mixing a metal adhesive resin, a foaming agent, a foaming accelerator, a crosslinking agent, a monomer, and a fibrous material to formulate a foamable composition, arranging the foamable composition thus formulated in a cavity of a formed metal component, and heating the metal component with the foamable composition.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for making a foam including a reactive phenolic resin, urea, and an isocyanate. Also provided is a method for making the foam and a foam made from the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypropylene resin composition containing about 90 to 60 parts by weight of a polypropylene block copolymer (A); and about 10 to 40 parts by weight of a polyethylene resin (B), wherein the polypropylene block copolymer is a polypropylene block copolymer which contains about 99 to 90% by weight of a crystalline polypropylene (a) and about 1 to 10% by weight of an amorphous ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer (b) and has a melt flow rate (MFR) of about 2 to 15 g/10 minutes, and a die swell ratio, measured by a capillary rheometer, of at least 1.7. Foamed materials containing a fine and uniform foam are obtainable from this composition.

Abstract: Novel aerated fibrous slurry comprising fibrous material, foaming agent, stabilizer, water and gas, which when dried to a water content of not more than 10% by weight, forms a dry, resilient fibrous foam composition. The dry, resilient fibrous foam composition is useful as an inexpensive cushioning filler, as a heat insulating material and as an absorbent of liquids.

Abstract: Improved blowing agents for thermoplastic and thermoset polymers are disclosed which contain silicate based compounds containing from about 5 to about 40% water and which expand or intumesce when heated to at least about 5 times their initial volume, which blowing agents are highly effective, predictable, stable and microwave receptive, do not cause post-blow, and which also act as an initiator or accelerator for other organic blowing agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an underlayment composition for an artificial playing surface comprised of a butadiene rubber, such as polybutadiene or styrene-butadiene that is commercially available as recycled polycord tires that have been granulized. An inorganic-base moisture-retaining agent such as vermiculite or perlite is also included in the composition in addition to a binder comprised of a mixture of isocyanate polyurethane and an inorganic acid. The present invention also provides a method of making the present composition. The method comprises the steps of mixing thoroughly granulized particles of butadiene rubber in a mixing container, mixing an inorganic-based moisture-retaining component with the butadiene rubber, mixing an acid having a pH .ltoreq.3 with the butadiene rubber and the inorganic-based moisture-retaining component, and mixing an isocyanate polyurethane with the butadiene rubber, the inorganic-based moisture-retaining component and the acid.

Abstract: Process of mixing a fugitive plasticizer, e.g., ethylene carbonate, with moist particulate polyacrylonitrile then removing the water enabling adjustment of the melt viscosity for extrusion of the polyacrylonitrile into film, fiber, pellets and shaped articles. Stretching and heating the extruded polyacrylonitrile film or fiber causes the fugitive plasticizer to exude and vaporize from the film or fiber, carrying with it any remaining acrylonitrile monomer. The resulting film or fiber exhibits substantially increased molecular weight, thus enhancing the tensile strength and barrier properties of the polyacrylonitrile product. The process also produces polyacrylonitrile foam products. A novel cross-linking agent for polyacrylonitrile, divinyloxybutane, is disclosed. Thermostabilizing agents for polyacrylonitrile, N-maleimides and stilbene derivatives, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low density, dimensionally-stable, extruded propylene polymer foam comprising primarily of an expanded propylene polymer material wherein the foam has a blowing agent comprising at least 15 percent by weight of one or more inorganic blowing agents. The propylene polymer material comprises at least about 15 weight percent of propylene monomeric units. The foam has a density of from about 10 to about 150 kilograms per cubic meter. The foam having an average cell wall thickness of less than about 35 micrometers.

Abstract: A plastic foam material composed of a blended resin composition which includes at least two thermoplastic resins and a silane-modified based resin. The blended resin composition consists essentially of 100 parts by weight of at least two thermoplastic resins, from about 1 to about 50 parts by weight of a silane-modified, cross-linked, thermoplastic resin; from about 0.001 to about 2.5 parts by weight of a cross-linking catalyst for use in a silane compound and from about 1 to about 20 parts by weight of a foaming agent. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoplastic resins include at least two substantially incompatible and substantially uncross-linked thermoplastic resins, while in another embodiment the two thermoplastic resins need not be substantially incompatible. The blended resin composition may further include reinforcers such as glass fibers and filler. The thermodecomposition foaming agent decomposes at sufficiently high temperatures to yield a plastic foam material.

Abstract: A water-based embossing composition for use in chemically embossing a foamable polymeric material having a blowing agent incorporated therein comprising: (A) a film-forming resin dissolved or dispersed in said aqueous composition; (B) a modifier which is effective in modifying the activity of the blowing agent comprising particulate solids which are substantially insoluble and uniformly dispersible in the liquid medium of the embossing composition and which have an average particle size of no greater than about 100 microns, said modifier being present in the composition in an amount of at least about 3 wt. %; and (C) optionally, a colorant or a softening agent for the modifier solids or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of plastics containing amide groups with elimination of CO.sub.2 by reaction of polyfunctional isocyanates, carboxylic acids and, optionally, alcohols in the presence of tertiary amines, more particularly heteroaromatic amines. The heteroaromatic amines preferably contain another heteroatom and/or substituents having +I and/or +M effects. The reaction preferably starts at room temperature. Fine-cell foams having an acid value of less than 40 and a density of at most 150 g/l can be produced in short reaction times at room temperature without any need for additional blowing agents.

Abstract: A coating composition suitable as an undercoating for cars contains vinyl-chloride-polymer-based plastisol and expandable thermoplastic microspheres. The expandable thermoplastic microspheres have a substantially halogen-free polymer shell which comprises a copolymer of halogen-free monomers and, in an amount of at least about 80% by weight, nitrile-containing monomers. Preferably, the polymer shell of the thermoplastic microspheres contains from about 85% by weight to about 97% by weight of nitrile-containing monomer. A method for spray-coating a surface with the coating composition by airless spraying is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an underlayment composition for an artificial playing surface comprised of a butadiene rubber, such as polybutadiene or styrene-butadiene that is commercially available as recycled polycord tires that have been granulized. An inorganic-base moisture-retaining agent such as vermiculite or perlite is also included in the composition in addition to a binder comprised of a mixture of isocyanate polyurethane and an inorganic acid. The present invention also provides a method of making the present composition. The method comprises the steps of mixing thoroughly granulized particles of butadiene rubber in a mixing container, mixing an inorganic-based moisture-retaining component with the butadiene rubber, mixing an acid having a pH.ltoreq.3 with the butadiene rubber and the inorganic-based moisture-retaining component, and mixing an isocyanate polyurethane with the butadiene rubber, the inorganic-based moisture-retaining component and the acid.

Abstract: The pourable porous carrier material is produced from at least one thermoplastic basic polymer with additives incorporated in the porous structure.First suitable foaming agents are added to the basic polymer, the mass is melted, mixed before and/or after melting. The mixture is then preferably extruded and cooled to form a pourable porous carrier material.At least one additive is added to the porous carrier material and mixed with this at a temperature (T.sub.M) below the melting point of the basic polymer but above the melting point of the additive.The porous carrier material has preferably ellipsoid pores which are brought into their longitudinal form during extrusion.

Abstract: A rubber composition for sponge rubber which contains following components (A).about.(E) and satisfies the following requirements that the ratio by weight of (A)/(B) is 30/70.about.99/1 and the amount of component (C) is 50.about.400 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the total amount of components (A) and (B):(A): Epoxy group-containing acryl elastomer.(B): Ethylene copolymer which contains a carboxyl group(s) or a carboxylic anhydride group(s).(C): Hydroxyl compound of II or III group of typical metal element in periodic table.(D): Vulcanizer.(E): Foaming agent.The sponge rubber compositions of the invention can be used for sponge for insulator in the field of electricity, architecture, automobile and the like, because sponge rubber compositions of the invention have the characteristics of good heat resistance, good oil stability, high-foaming property, and good shape-retention.

Abstract: The present invention provides:a melamine resin foam obtained by foaming a resin composition comprising a melamine/formaldehyde condensate, a blowing agent and an isocyanate,a process for producing the above melamine resin foam, which comprises foaming a resin composition comprising a melamine/formaldehyde condensate, a blowing agent and an isocyanate, anda melamine/formaldehyde condensate used in the production of the above melamine resin foam, which is obtained by reacting melamine and formaldehyde in the presence of a silane coupling agent.The melamine resin foam of the present invention is free from the problems of the prior art, has solved the problem of fragility without impairing the good flame retardancy and low thermal conductivity inherently possessed by melamine resin foams, and causes no danger during the production.

Abstract: A process for providing extrudable polyacrylonitrile compositions. Dry, particulate polyacrylonitrile having a moisture content of less than about 1.5 percent is mixed with a liquid plasticizer such as ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate at a mixing temperature of about 140.degree. C. to about 180.degree. C. This process produces an extrudable polyacrylonitrileplasticizer composition which can be extruded to form film, fiber or other extruded or co-extruded products.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a foamed product in which a reactive phenolic resin is mixed with urea and an isocyanate, and this mixture is then mixed with an acid catalyst. The phenolic resin polymerizes, thereby liberating water and formaldehyde. The water reacts with the isocyanate to liberate carbon dioxide and the formaldehyde reacts with the urea. As the phenolic resin polymerizes, it traps the carbon dioxide in bubbles, thereby forming a foamed product.

Abstract: Foamable thermoplastic resin compositions are provided having vinyl chloride polymer, a graft copolymer having a superstrate grafted to a substrate wherein the superstrate has alphamethyl styrene, unsaturated nitrile, and unsubstituted styrene therein, and the substrate is a butadiene rubber, a rubber-free copolymer having alkylmethacrylate, vinyl aromatic, and unsaturated nitrile therein, and a chemical blowing agent. The foamable thermoplastic resin composition may be coextruded with a non-foamed thermoplastic resin skin to produce a coextruded rigid foamed structure by a process of coextruding the skin and foamable thermoplastic composition. The composition and process are useful for making coextruded rigid foam structures which are useful in rigid foam applications such as foamed pipe and foamed sheet.

Abstract: A process for producing shaped foamable parts from a polymer composition containing polymer and a foaming and curing additive package which includes the steps of:(a) dry blending at least the blowing agent part of the foaming and curing additive package of the composition with a wax powder to produce a dry blend;(b) melt blending the dry blend and any residual parts of the composition at a temperature between the melting point and not more than 10.degree. C., preferably not more than 5.degree. C., above the melting point using a low shear condition to produce a melt blend;(c) molding the melt blend within the temperature and shear conditions of step (b).Foamable parts having good foam characteristics can be made on an industrial scale. The closed-foam cells are even. The foam adheres to metal surfaces.

Abstract: Flexible, porous, absorbent polymeric macrostructures having flexibility even after extended periods at elevated temperatures and/or low humidities are disclosed. The macrostructure comprises an interparticle crosslinked aggregate and an effective amount of a suitable plasticizer. The macrostructures are suitable for use, for example, in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing polyamide hollow filaments wherein an N,N'-dialkyl polycarbonamide is melt blended with the molten fiber-forming polyamide prior to spinning into filaments. The polycarbonamide substantially decreases the collapsing of the voids which naturally occurs immediately .after spinning and before the filaments are completely cool.

Abstract: Perfluorotripentylamine, perfluoropolyether or another such high-boiling liquid is added as a foaming agent to a thermoplastic fluororesin such as a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer resin or a tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer resin. Because the vapor pressure of said foaming agent in the molten fluororesin is lower than that of Freon or another such low-boiling foaming agent, the cells in the foam can be made fine and uniform in diameter.

Abstract: An expanded polymer product with high distortion temperature, high flame resistance and low smoke toxicity and opacity comprises, in combination:between 18% and 25% of a mixture of at least two isocyanates;between 8% and 11% of a styrene and maleic anhydride mixture;between 19% and 42% of a PVC resin in emulsion form;between 4% and 7% of at least one expanding agent;between 0.5% and 1% of at least one temperature stabilizer;between 16% and 40% of TiO.sub.2.Said product is used particularly in sea, ground and air transport, and in numerous constructional applications in which the materials must combine high technical characteristics with adequate lightness.

Abstract: A water-based embossing composition for use in chemically embossing a foamable polymeric material having a blowing agent incorporated therein comprising: (A) a film-forming resin dissolved or dispersed in said aqueous composition; (B) a modifier which is effective in modifying the activity of the blowing agent comprising particulate solids which are substantially insoluble and uniformly dispersible in the liquid medium of the embossing composition and which have an average particle size of no greater than about 100 microns, said modifier being present in the composition in an amount of at least about 3 wt. %; and (C) optionally, a colorant or a softening agent for the modifier solids or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: An ultra low density polyolefin foam having a density of about 0.6 to about 1.5 pounds per cubic foot comprising a heat-plastified mixture comprising (1) a non-elastomeric olefin polymer resin selected from the group consisting of ethylene homopolymers, non-elastomeric copolymers of ethylene and a copolymerizable monomer, and propylene homopolymers; (2) an elastomer in an amount of about 3 to about 30 wt. parts per 100 wt. parts of said non-elastomeric olefin polymer resin; (3) polystyrene in an amount of about 1 to about 15 wt. parts per 100 wt. parts of said olefin polymer resin; (4) a stability control agent selected from the group consisting of partial esters of long chain fatty acids with polyols, higher alkyl amines, fatty acid amides, and olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymers, and (5) a hydrocarbon blowing agent having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and a boiling point between -175.degree. C. and 50.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foamable epoxy resin composition (A) 100 parts by weight of a liquid epoxy resin (B) 0.5-20 parts by weight of a latent curing agent, (C) 0.5-15 parts by weight of a foaming agent having a decomposition temperature of 100.degree.-220.degree. C., (D) 0.05-5 parts by weight of a surface active agent and (E) 10-200 parts by weight of a rubbery elastomer or a powdery halogen-free thermoplastic resin of 150 .mu.m or less in average particle diameter, which composition has a melt viscosity of 2.5.times.10.sup.3 -5.times.10.sup.4 dPa.multidot.s at the decomposition temperature of said foaming agent. The composition can provide a foamed material of rigidity and good heat resistance, having an expansion ratio of 5 times or more and a dense cell structure of 0.5 mm or less in average cell diameter.

Abstract: A process for the production of particulate expandable styrene polymers which have a very low benzene concentration is described using perketal and/or monoperoxycarbonate polymerization initiators. The styrene polymers produced according to the invention can be foamed to give foamed particles and molded, if desired.

Abstract: The improved adhesion is provided by incorporating into an adhesive and/or sealant plastic material an effective amount of cyclodextrin or a complex of cyclodextrin and blowing agent. Where the complex of cyclodextrin and blowing agent is employed, an expandable mixture is formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to expandable styrene polymers containinga) a styrene polymer,b) and at least one carbon dioxide absorber, mixed or copolymerized with the above, in an amount of from 0.01 to 50% by weight, based on the sum of a) and b), andc) a blowing agent or blowing agent mixture in an amount of from 0.5 to 12% by weight,where the blowing agent or blowing agent mixture comprisesc.sub.1) from 10 to 100% by weight of carbon dioxide andc.sub.2) from 0 to 90% by weight of at least one further blowing agent.The invention furthermore relates to the styrene polymers containing a carbon dioxide absorber, to the styrene polymer foams obtainable from the expandable styrene polymers, and to an improved process for impregnating styrene polymers with carbon dioxide-containing blowing agents or blowing agent mixtures.

Abstract: An expandable vinyl chloride resin composition comprising, as main components, a vinyl chloride polymer composed mainly of vinyl chloride obtained by emulsion polymerization or fine suspension polymerization of a vinyl chloride monomer and a vinyl comonomer having a hydroxyl group or a carboxyl group, a plasticizer, a chemical blowing agent and a crosslinking agent, wherein said crosslinking agent is:(1) a combination of an alkylphenol-blocked polyisocyanate and an .epsilon.-caprolactam-blocked polyisocyanate, or(2) a polyisocyanate randomly blocked by an alkyl phenol and .epsilon.-caprolactam.

Abstract: Blowing agent compositions for use in the production of peroxide cross-linked polyethylene foams. The improved properties and a process for the production of such foams are described.

Abstract: A silicone rubber composition comprising an organopolysiloxane and a curing agent is improved by adding a foaming agent in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the organopolysiloxane. The composition is heat curable into silicone rubber films or coatings which are substantially unfoamed and tack-free on a surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to expandable styrene polymers containinga) a styrene polymer,b) and at least one carbon dioxide absorber, mixed or copolymerized with the above, in an amount of from 0.01 to 50% by weight, based on the sum of a) and b), andc) a blowing agent or blowing agent mixture in an amount of from 0.5 to 12% by weight,where the blowing agent or blowing agent mixture comprisesc.sub.1) from 10 to 100% by weight of carbon dioxide andc.sub.2) from 0 to 90% by weight of at least one further blowing agent.The invention furthermore relates to the styrene polymers containing a carbon dioxide absorber, to the styrene polymer foams obtainable from the expandable styrene polymers, and to an improved process for impregnating styrene polymers with carbon dioxide-containing blowing agents or blowing agent mixtures.

Abstract: A foamable composition for producing an ultra low density polyolefin foam having a density of about 0.6 to about 1.5 pounds per cubic foot comprising a heat-plastified mixture comprising (1) an olefin polymer resin selected from the group consisting of ethylene homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene and a copolymerizable monomer; (2) an elastomer in an amount of about 3 to about 30 wt. parts per 100 wt. parts of said olefin polymer resin; (3) polystyrene in an amount of about 1 to about 15 wt. parts per 100 wt. parts of said olefin polymer resin; (4) a stability control agent selected from the group consisting of partial esters of long chain fatty acids with polyols, higher alkyl amines, fatty acid amides, and olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymers, and (5) a hydrocarbon blowing agent having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and a boiling point between -175.degree. C. and 50.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to foams produced from poly(aryl ethers) and mixtures of poly(aryl ethers) with various non-poly(aryl ether) polymers. These foams are produced using aqueous blowing agents comprising water as the only blowing agent, or mixtures of water with another blowing agent material.

Abstract: A foamable silicone rubber composition comprising (A) a diorganopolysiloxane having a viscosity of at least 10.sup.6 cs at 25.degree. C., (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane, (C) a platinum catalyst, (D) azodicarbonamide foaming agent, and (E) an acetylenic alcohol reaction controlling agent is foamed and cured, preferably through UHF vulcanization, into silicone rubber sponge. The sponge having satisfactory strength and foam properties is obtained without a hygienic problem.

Abstract: A foamable composition for in situ expansion for example in a car pillar includes a base polymer derived of ethylene and an olefinically unsaturated acrylic ester with an M1 of from 0.1 to 6 and containing from 10 to 40% of ester derived units. The composition is foamed and cross-linked to adhere to the car pillar interior and provide closed cell foam acting as a moisture-sound barrier.

Abstract: A lightly crosslinked polymer foam and a process for its production, wherein the crosslinking occurs in the extruder, which comprises melt processing an olefinic polymer, with a volatile blowing agent, a free-radical generating peroxide as a crosslinking agent, and an antioxidant as a countervailing agent.

Abstract: A composition and foam insulation for copper tubing is described herein which is formulated to retard copper oxidation and eliminate or reduce stress corrosion in the copper tubing. The copper compatible, elastomeric foam insulation is made from a composition comprising 100 parts by weight of rubber, vinyl chloride polymer at about 15 to about 85 pphr, a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of an alkyl phosphate ester and an oxyalkyl phosphate ester at about 10 to about 100 pphr, a fire retardant in an amount of at least about 100 pphr, a stabilizer in an amount effective to prevent degradation of the rubber and vinyl chloride polymer, a preservative at from about 0.1 to about 10 pphr, and a lubricant at about 10 to about 85 pphr, wherein the composition and foamed product contains no more than about 5 parts of free phenol per million.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to foams produced from poly(aryl ethers) and mixtures of poly(aryl ethers) with various non-poly(aryl ether) polymers. These foams are produced using aqueous blowing agents comprising water as the only blowing agent, or mixtures of water with another blowing agent material.