Abstract: An improved method of using polymer compositions to produce foamed plastics, wherein a major, auxiliary source of blowing agent for the foam is the decomposition of dialkyl dicarbonates. The dialkyl dicarbonates can be decomposed over temperatures ranging from about 10.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C. when used in combination with particular tertiary amine decomposition catalysts. Enhanced production of carbon dioxide is obtained by the addition of water.

Abstract: An improved superabsorbent polymer having increased rate of water absorption is obtained by the addition, preferably prior to polymerization, of a carbonate blowing agent to a monomer solution of the monomers used to form the superabsorbent polymer. Preferred monomers include (meth)acrylic acids, preferably partially neutralized prior to polymerization and appropriate cross-linking agents. The carbonate cross-linking agents are any carbonate salt soluble or dispersible in the monomer solution, prior to polymerization. The multi-valent cationic salts of carbonate are preferred, especially the complex carbonates, for example, of magnesium.

Abstract: An antistatic expandable styrene polymer in bead form, containinga) a styrene polymer,b) from 0.5 to 3% by weight, based on a), of a coating containingb1) from 10 to 70% by weight of finely divided silica;b2) from 20 to 80% by weight of a hydroxy-containing quaternary ammonium saltand, if desired, p1 b3) from 0.05 to 20% by weight of a conventional coupling agent and/orc) from 1 to 8% by weight, based on a), of a C.sub.3 to C.sub.6 hydrocarbon as blowing agent,and, if desired,d) conventional additives in effective amounts.

Abstract: Polyolefin foams and films having improved electrostatic properties are provided by incorporating into the polyolefin foam or film a novel antistatic additive composition comprising 0.1 to 10 parts per hundred based on the weight of the olefin polymer of a quaternary ammonium salt and 0.1 to 10 parts per hundred based on the weight of the olefin polymer of a partial ester of a long-chain fatty acid with a polyol. A method of making the foam containing the novel antistatic additive composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electron-beam cured sheet-type foam comprises: a polypropylene type resin (A) of 100 parts by weight of which main component is polypropylene; a copolymer resin (B) of 5 to 40 parts by weight which is made of ethylene and at least one selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, ethylacrylate maleic acid anhydride and vinylacetate; and a copolymer resin (C) made of ethylene and an .alpha.-olefin of 4 to 8 carbon atoms, having a melting point of 117.degree. C. to 123.degree. C. and a density of 0.890 g/cm.sup.3 to 0.910 g/cm.sup.3. This foam contains 20 to 60 percent in gel content and has an expansion ratio of 5 to 40.

Abstract: Absorbent polymeric macrostructures that are porous and comprise an interparticle crosslinked aggregate having a circumscribed dry volume greater than about 10.0 mm.sup.3. The interparticle crosslinked aggregate comprises a multiplicity of precursor particles of substantially water-insoluble, absorbent, hydrogel-forming, polymer material; and an interparticle crosslinking agent reacted with the polymer material of the precursor particles to form crosslink bonds between the precursor particles. Because of the particulate nature of the precursor particles, the macrostructure has pores between adjacent precursor particles. The pores are interconnected by intercommunicating channels such that the macrostructure is liquid permeable.

Abstract: A method of using blowing agent compositions to produce foamed plastics such as polyurethanes, polyesters and the like, wherein a major auxiliary source of blowing agent for the foam is the decomposition of dialkyl dicarbonates. The dialkyl dicarbonates can be decomposed over temperatures ranging from about 10.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C. when used in combination with particular tertiary amine decomposition catalysts.

Abstract: Improved ignition resistant, flexible, open-celled polyurethane foams are described. The foams are formed in situ from the reaction, in the presence of a catalyst, of an isocyanate, one or more blowing agents including water, a foam stabilizer, a polyether polyol, melamine, and a standard flame retardant additive. Preferred standard flame retardants are halogenated phosphorus esters and a blend of about 80 to 85% pentabromodiphenyl oxide in an aromatic phosphate plasticizer. The melamine is present in the foam formulations in an amount of from 30 to 40 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polyol. The standard flame retardant is present in an amount of from 15 to 25 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polyol. The compositions of the invention are particularly suitable for use in furniture, bedding, and carpet padding.

Abstract: Foamable resin compositions of cyanate esters and thermoplastic resins are disclosed.

Abstract: The blowing agent is a complex of cyclodextrin and guest blowing agent. Suitable guest blowing agents include water, propylene glycol and cyclohexylalamine. The blowing agent is used in structural foam and adhesives.

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: An expandable, powder coating composition is disclosed which comprises (a) a thermoplastic resin containing a hydroxyl group-containing polymer, (b) a cross-linking agent containing a polyisocyanate compound which is capable of reacting with the hydroxyl groups of the polymer to crosslink the polymer at a temperature higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic resin and which is solid at room temperature, and (c) a blowing agent capable of decomposing and generating a gas when heated to a temperature higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic resin. Powder coating with the coating composition can give a heat-insulating, foamed sheath or lining over the surface of a metal tube or box to be used in air conditioners.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a composition of matter and to a method of using the composition to produce foamed plastics, wherein a major, auxiliary source of blowing agent for the foam is the decomposition of dialkyl dicarbonates. The dialkyl dicarbonates can be decomposed over temperatures ranging from about 10.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C. when used in combination with particular tertiary amine decomposition catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention comprises novel single-functional and mixtures of multi-functional oligomeric performance additive compounds having one or more components of Structure A ##STR1## (The definitions of R, Z1, Z2, Z3, A1, A2, A3 and y are given in the Summary Section), their uses and polymeric compounds and compositions containing them which have enhanced oxidative stabilities, enhanced ultraviolet (UV) and light stabilities and/or enhanced flame retardance. An example is the bis sulfonic acid bispotassium salt reaction product from an oligomeric caprolactone diol (TONE.RTM. 260), 2-sulfobenzoic acid anhydride and potassium carbonate, and use of this product, at levels up to about 3.0%, in a general purpose bisphenol A polycarbonate resin, to enhance the fire resistance or flame retardance of the polycarbonate resin.

Abstract: A method for producing a laminated material including a lower layer of highly-expanded plasticized polyvinyl chloride with cross-linking and a surface layer of thermoplastic resin sheet laminated on an upper surface of said lower layer, said method including the steps of: heating and kneading raw materials for the lower layer in an extruder, the raw materials excluding a cross-linking agent and a blowing agent; adding the cross-linking agent and the blowing agent; heating and kneading the obtained material at or less than a reacting temperature of the cross-linking agent and a decomposition temperature of the blowing agent to obtain a sheet; heating the sheet to cross-link and expand the sheet to form the lower layer of cross-linked highly-expanded plasticized polyvinyl chloride; and laminating the surface layer of the thermoplastic resin on the upper surface of the lower layer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a composition of matter and to a method of using the composition to produce foamed plastics, wherein a major, auxiliary source of blowing agent for the foam is the decomposition of dialkyl dicarbonates. The dialkyl dicarbonates can be decomposed over temperatures ranging from about 10.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C. when used in combination with particular tertiary amine decomposition catalysts.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymers which contain a C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -hydrocarbon as a blowing agent, an organic bromine compound as a flameproofing agent and small amounts of ammonium salt and of an organic amine give, on expansion, foams which have a particularly homogenous foam structure and a good heat insulation effect.

Abstract: The invention is a composition useful for the preparation of POWADIR membranes of a bisphenol-based polycarbonate wherein at least 25 percent by weight of the bisphenol moieties are tetrahalogenated, wherein the halogen is Cl or Br, the composition comprising (i) a bisphenol-based polycarbonate wherein at least 25 percent by weight of the bisphenol moieties are tetrahalogenated, wherein the halogen is Cl or Br, (ii) a solvent for such polycarbonate, and (iii) a non-solvent for such polycarbonate. The composition is useful for extruding membranes wherein the membranes formed are POWADIR membranes with a discriminating region capable of separating oxygen from nitrogen.The composition of this invention allows the formation of membranes with excellent physical properties, good separation factors for oxygen and nitrogen, with excellent fluxes.

Abstract: Acryl rubber foaming compositions comprising (A) an acrylic polymer prepared by copolymerizing an acrylate or methacrylate with a monomer having at least two aliphatic unsaturated bonds per molecule, (B) a pyrolytic organic foaming agent, and (C) an organic peroxide can be molded, cured and foamed into acryl rubber foams having improved heat insulation, heat resistance, weatherability, crack resistance, and oil resistance without a need for sulfur vulcanizer.

Abstract: Plastic foam materials having a high degree of structural integrity, cell network uniformity and small cell size are obtained from (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylonitrile by incorporating acrylamide as a comonomer additive within certain ranges of concentration. Incorporation of the latter together with conventional additives normally used in preparing foams from the principal monomers helps to avoid preliminary precipitation during the polymerization process, and the gradients in the polymer microstructure which frequently result and cause internal stresses and weaknesses in the ultimate product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foamable organopolysiloxane composition which comprises an organopolysiloxane base polymer containing a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane, organohydroxypolysiloxane, and organohydrogenpolysiloxane, and a specific siloxane copolymer containing an alkenyloxysilyl group. The composition readily foams and cures at room temperature to give a silicone rubber foam of high strength, which is useful as a filler and sealant for buildings.

Abstract: An expandable polymer concrete or mortar composition, and process for producing it, which allows the use of low temperature cure resins by incorporating a substituted mineral which is able to expand in the polymer concrete mix so that the dilation of the mineral will counteract the shrinking effect of the curing resin. The substituted mineral may be selected from the montmorillonite group and is produced by substituting its water of hydration with a higher volatility composition such as ammonia.

Abstract: Plastic foam materials having a high degree of structural integrity, cell network uniformity and small cell size are obtained from (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylonitrile by incorporating acrylamide as a comonomer additive within certain ranges of concentration. Incorporation of the latter together with conventional additives normally used in preparing foams from the principal monomers helps to avoid preliminary precipitation during the polymerization process, and the gradients in the polymer microstructure which frequently result and cause internal stresses and weaknesses in the ultimate product.

Abstract: An expandable composition for non-crosslinked foam comprising:(a) 80 to 99% by weight of a 1-butene copolymer,(b) 20 to 1% by weight of an ethylene polymer, and(c) a blowing agent,the percentages being based on the total weight of the 1-butene copolymer and the ethylene polymer.

Abstract: Ternary polyurethane-polyisocyanurate-polyurea foams having, by weight of the reaction product, 10 to 35 percent polyurethane, 30 to 55 percent isocyanurate and 20 to 45 percent polyurea, and having a light-weight density in the range of 0.5 to 0.9 pounds per cubic foot, overcome the normal fragile nature and friability of polyisocyanurate and polyurea components while rendering the polyurethane component essentially fire resistant. The resultant foam has excellent heat insulating properties, is semi-flexible, extremely light in weight, and can be inexpensively produced by existing two-component foam dispensing equipment.

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

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

Abstract: A process of forming hollow microspheres containing carbon or a polymer which is a carbon precursor. The process comprises forming a solution in a liquid solvent of a polymer having the following properties (a) a molecular weight of at least 10,000 and a long chain structure; (b) an ability to be coagulated by or precipitated from the solution by a non-solvent for the polymer; (c) an ability to form a continuous stretchable film when coagulated or precipitated from solution; (d) a chemical structure which is infusible or capable of being rendered infusible, and (e) a high carbon yield of at least 30% by weight upon being carbonized in a non-reactive atmosphere. An insoluble particulate blowing agent is incorporated into the solution and the solution is then divided into droplets and the droplets are introduced into a liquid bath containing a suitable non-solvent for the polymer.

Abstract: A Chemical Blowing Agent (CBA) concentrate was developed comprising a modifying agent and a chemical blowing agent. The CBA is characterized in that its decomposition products contain a primary amine. The modifying agent is a blend of a maleic anhydride copolymer and a butadiene based rubber. It was surprisingly found that resin degradation which often accompanies foam moldings using a CBA of the present type and is expressed in terms of a reduction in the molecular weight of the resin, is much reduced upon the incorporation of the modifying agent and chemical blowing agent of the invention. The concentrate may optionally further comprise a polymeric resin component.

Abstract: A Chemical Blowing Agent (CBA) concentrate was developed comprising a modifying agent and a chemical blowing agent. The CBA is characterized in that its decomposition products contain a primary amine. The modifying agent is a blend of a maleic anhydride copolymer and a butadiene based rubber. It was surprisingly found that resin degradation which often accompanies foam moldings using a CBA of the present type and is expressed in terms of a reduction in the molecular weight of the resin, is much reduced upon the incorporation of the modifying agent and chemical blowing agent of the invention. The concentrate may optionally further comprise a polymeric resin component.

Abstract: The invention pertains to flame retardant polyurethane foams prepared by the reaction of a polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol with toluene diisocyanate and a blowing agent wherein the flame retardant compound is selected from the group consisting of dicyandiamide, oxamide and biuret. The amount of flame retardant may range from about 25 weight percent of about 75 weight percent of the total composition.

Abstract: A process for forming hollow microspheres containing carbon or a polymer which is a carbon precursor. The process comprises forming a solution in a liquid solvent of a polymer having the following properties (a) a molecular weight of at least 10,000 and a long chain structure; (b) an ability to be coagulated by or precipitated from the solution by a non-solvent for the polymer; (c) an ability to form a continuous stretchable film when coagulated or precipitated from solution; (d) a chemical structure which is infusible or capable of being rendered infusible, and (e) a high carbon yield of at least 30% by weight upon being carbonized in a non-reactive atmosphere. An insoluble particulate blowing agent is incorporated into the solution and the solution is then divided into droplets and the droplets are introduced into a liquid bath containing a suitable non-solvent for the polymer.

Abstract: Foamed elastomeric compositions are produced by a process comprising the steps of (A) forming a blend comprised of (1) a foamable, curable elastomer; (2) a curative; and (3) a blowing agent composition consisting essentially of (i) azodicarbonamide and (ii) at least one member selected from the group consisting of zinc salt of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 organic acids and C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 carboxamides; and (B) heating such blend to between about 130.degree. C. and about 170.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to foam and cure such blend.

Abstract: A process for preparing assymetric polyvinylidene fluoride microporous membranes using novel pore forming agents of an ammonium salt which is a non-solvent for the polymeric casting solution; such agents for example being ammonium hydroxide, ammonium chloride and the like.

Abstract: Amine compounds are added to foamable elastomeric silicone foam to reduce foam density.

Abstract: Treated filler having surface nitrogen groups is added to silicone foam to reduce density.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in preparing foamed thermoplastic articles. It was found that a chemical blowing agent concentrate which contains a blowing agent which produces primary amines upon decomposition and additionally contains an anhydride compound which contains at least one cyclic anhydride in its structure, offers surprising advantages over the prior art process in terms of improved impact strength and process flexibility.

Abstract: A slab of rigid heat-foamable organic synthetic resin is heated until at least a portion of its surface is at or above the softening temperature of the resin, whereupon a microwave or high frequency field is allowed to act on the slab until foaming occurs.

Abstract: Foams are prepared from a linear low density polyethylene and, optionally, other olefinic polymers, such as a low density polyethylene using a chemical cross-linking agent. The resulting cross-linked polyethylene foams exhibit an excellent balance of properties at generally lower densities than foams prepared from low density polyethylene only.

Abstract: Foamable, thermoplastic molding composition exhibiting an improved level of impact resistance is provided. The composition, which is suitable for the preparation of expanded molded parts, comprise a thermoplastic resin, preferably at least one selected from a group consisting of polycarbonate, polyalkylene terephthalate, aromatic polyester and polyester carbonate, a nucleating agent, a chemical blowing agent and an anhydride. It was unexpectedly found that the composition is suitable for the molding of articles having an improved level of impact resistance.

Abstract: A plastic foam is made by mixing a plastic material or its origin material with a blowing agent which does not react with the material, said agent having a maximum vapor pressure of 10 Pa at the highest permissible application temperature of the plastic foam and having a minimum vapor pressure of 600 Pa at a pressure at which said material is in plastic condition. A formed body of the mixture is then exposed to a pressure low enough to evaporate the blowing agent and form bubbles in the mixture, whereupon the body is cooled at low pressure to solidify the plastic material and substantially condense said agent, thereby providing said body with closed cells having a reduced internal pressure.

Abstract: The production of foamed articles of polyphenylene ether resins is improved by including a modifier comprising an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid or derivative. The resulting products are lightweight, exhibit superior heat resistance and retain flame retardancy over polyphenylene ether resins which are foamed in the absence of the modifier. Such resins are especially suited for the production of extrusion and injection foam molding material.

Abstract: Novel foamed thermoplastic resins are disclosed. The foam includes an ionically associated blend containing at least about 60 weight % of a metal salt of a styrene-acrylic acid copolymer and at least 1 weight % of a metal salt of an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The foams typically are prepared by extruding a ternary mixture of a styrene-acrylic acid copolymer, an ethylene-acrylic copolymer and an alkali metal bicarbonate which functions as the foaming agent. The ionically associated blends included in the foam are believed to be novel compositions of matter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new blowing agent combination based on azodicarbonamide, production thereof and use thereof for foaming polymers.

Abstract: A microporous biocompatible material is formed by preparing a segmented polyether urethane urea solution containing 25%.+-.1.5% solids dissolved in a solvent. The solution has sufficient viscosity to be preshaped and formed into the desired thickness of the finished article, then immediately immersed into a precipitation bath in which the solvent in the solution is miscible for a time interval sufficient to cause the solution to set up into an opaque elastomeric article. The article is immediately removed from the bath, any excess solvent extracted and then dried at a temperature on the order of 35.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. followed by heat treating by annealing for approximately sixty minutes at a temperature at 100.degree. C. to 130.degree. C. The void volume of the membrane solution is controlled to within the 50% to 80% range and the pore size from ca <0.1 to several mms.

Abstract: A phenolic resin composite foam is disclosed which is prepared by heating and foaming a novolak phenolic resin having a number average molecular weight of 250 to 600 and a bulk density of 0.15 to 0.5, a blowing agent, a blowing auxiliary compound and inorganic foamed particles. Additional materials for flame retardancy can be added. The foam produced has a high compressive strength, a high foaming and rapid curing rates, a low water absorption and a minimum of friability.

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

Abstract: A process for dimensionally stabilizing low density foamed polyolefins utilizing a dimensionally stabilizing control additive comprising a nitrogen-containing compound (having an unsaturated leg) said compound represented by formulas (I) and (II): ##STR1##

Abstract: A blowing agent composition, comprising: (i) azodicarbonamide; (ii) zinc oxide and/or zinc carbonate; and (iii) at least one member selected from the group consisting of zinc salts of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 organic acids, and C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 organic carboxamides characterized by a high gas evolution rate. The blowing agent composition may be used in effective amounts in formulations containing a foamable polymer to yield an efficiently gas expanded polymeric composition upon exposure to heat. Suitable C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 organic acids for said zinc salts include straight-chain carboxylic acids, and useful organic carboxamides include formamide.

Abstract: Foamable and foamed polyvinlyidene fluoride materials prepared by compounding the PVDF with a suitable nucleating agent of discreet insoluble particles, a blowing agent having an activation temperature above the melting point of the PVDF, and a dispersing aid to provide a substantially homogeneous powdered mixture that is then melt compounded with high shear melt blending means and then extruded and quenched to provide the foamable polyvinylidene fluoride material which can then be extruded as an insulating material on wire at a temperature sufficiently high to activate the blowing agent.