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 expandable, powder coating composition is disclosed which comprises (a) a thermoplastic resin containing a copolymer of ethylene with vinyl acetate, (b) a cross-linking agent containing an organic peroxide, (c) a blowing agent, and (d) an organic plasticizer. Powder coating of a surface of a tube or box to be used in air conditioners with the coating composition can give a heat-insulating, foamed sheath or lining over the surface.

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: Rigid foam is produced without using fluorocarbons as a foaming agent by ing an oligomer mixture of monomer and dimers to heximers, flame retardant, nitrogen liberating catalysts, cell regulating agents, foam stabilizer and foam regulator, crosslinking agents and wetting agent, preheating the mixture, and pouring the mixture into a mold, keeping the temperature at a value from 50.degree. to 70.degree. C. and upon completed polymerization removing the product from the mold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to foams produced from sulfone polymers and mixtures of sulfone polymers with various non-sulfone 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: Hydrazone compounds having two organic moieties joined by a hydrazone group, such as phenylacetone t-butyl hydrazone, are useful blowing agents for foaming polymers, such as bisphenol A/phosgene polycarbonate at temperatures above about 280.degree. C., and particularly at about 300.degree. C. to about 310.degree. C. Polycarbonate polymers formed using the hydrazones as foaming agents show a high impact strength.

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: 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: 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: 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: A foamable composition comprises in admixture (a) a high molecular weight thermoplastic resin in particulate form and an effective amount of (b) a foaming agent therefor comprising a pumpable liquid dispersion comprising (i) a solid blowing agent, (ii) a liquid carrier, and, optionally, (iii) a thickener. The liquid dispersion can be pumped directly into the hopper of a foam molding machine eliminating the need to pre-mix pelletized concentrates of the solid blowing agent.

Abstract: Low density rigid foamed polyphosphazene articles having excellent physical and flammability properties are made by masticating a mixture of high molecular weight linear polyphosphazene, a curing agent (e.g., sulfur), an accelerator, a blowing agent and optionally fillers, processing aids and the like to form a substantially homogeneous blend and then stopping the masticating, heating to pre-cure and then heating to activate the blowing agent and complete the cure thereby forming a flexible foamed polyphosphazene composite, forming the flexible foamed polyphosphazene composition into a shaped composition, and thereafter heating the flexible foamed shaped polyphosphazene composition at a temperature and for a length of time which causes the flexible foamed polyphosphazene composition to become a rigid foamed polyphosphazene composition of the same shape as the flexible foamed polyphosphazene composition.

Abstract: A rubber composition for producing sponge rubber products which comprises 1 to 20 parts by weight of a blowing agent and 0.1 to 0.8 part by weight of sulfur relative to 100 parts by weight of an ethylene-.alpha.-olefin-non-conjugated dienes tetrapolymer containing as non-conjugated dienes the ethylidene-norbornene component amounting to 15 to 30 in terms of iodine value and the dicyclopentadiene component amounting to 1 to 10 in terms of iodine value and having a branching index of at least 2.

Abstract: Improved methods of preparing molded thermoplastic articles are provided. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of admixing a radio frequency energy sensitizing agent comprised of N-ethyl toluenesulfonamide with a thermoplastic polymer, applying radio frequency energy to the mixture formed for a time sufficient to produce a moldable consistency in the mixture, and then compression molding the mixture to produce a molded article therefrom.

Abstract: Ketoxime compounds are added to foamable elastomeric silicone foam contain organic alcohol as a hydroxyl source to reduce foam density.

Abstract: Cured foams with a high degree of closed cellular structure, good stability under prolonged heat exposure and good compressive strength can be produced from a hot-foamable, thermosetting epoxy resin mixture containing (a) an epoxy resin or a mixture of epoxy resins with an average epoxide content of 4.4 to 5.0 equivalents/kg and an average epoxide functionality of more than 2.0, (b) a novolak with a hydroxyl equivalent weight of 90 to 120, 0.8 to 0.95 hydroxyl equivalents of component (b) being present in the epoxy resin mixture per 1 epoxide equivalent of component (a), (c) 1.0 to 1% by weight, based on the amount of components (a) and (b), of a curing accelerator, (d) 0.5 to 10% by weight, based on the amount of components (a) and (b), of a blowing agent which splits off nitrogen above 100.degree. C. with decomposition, (e) 0.3 to 1% by weight, based on the total amount of the epoxy resin mixture, of an emulsifier, and if appropriate (f) foam modifiers.

Abstract: An expandable composition for non-crosslinked foam comprising:(a) 80 to 99% by weight of a 1-butene homopolymer,(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 homopolymer and the ethylene polymer.

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: A process for the production of cellular products which comprises incorporating a blowing agent into rubber or a thermoplastic material uses as the blowing agent a tetrazole compound represented by the formula: ##STR1## in which R represents an alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, aralkylene, alkenyl, alkenylaryl or alkenylaralkylene group.The novel blowing agents of the present invention include compounds which are liquids which may be directly incorporated into the molten rubber or thermoplastic material. The blowing agents of this invention are especially useful, as indicated, with polymers and copolymers that have high processing temperatures as they minimize polymer degradation and provide products with increased impact strengths.

Abstract: Azo compounds such as 2-ethyl-6-methyl-phenylazo-t-butane which contain an aromatic moiety bridged to one or more alkyl moieties by azo groups are useful blowing agents in a novel process for foaming compositions of polymers such as polycarbonates.

Abstract: The invention is a process for making a high surface area, self-supporting catalyst suitable for use as an acid catalyst comprising:(a) at least partially polymerizing a perfluorinated monomer containing ion exchange groups convertible to an acid or salt form in a medium containing a gas-forming ingredient(s) which is present during polymerization and serves a polymerization enhancement purpose during polymerization; wherein the said gas-forming ingredient(s) is a material that will convert into a gaseous state and expand when heated; and(b) heating the polymer to a temperature sufficient to soften the polymer and sufficient to convert at least a portion of the gas-forming ingredient(s) into a gaseous state while the polymer is still in contact with at least a portion of the gas-forming ingredient(s), thereby converting the gas-forming ingredient(s) into a gas which expands the polymer and causes the formation of open and closed pores within the polymer.

Abstract: Azo compounds such as 2-ethyl-6-methyl-phenylazo-t-butane which contain an aromatic moiety bridged to one or more alkyl moieties by azo groups are useful blowing agents in a novel process for foaming compositions of polymers such as polycarbonates.

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: A foamable composition comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of a hydrolyzable ethylene/silane copolymer and a hydrolyzable ethylene/ethyl acrylate/silane terpolymer and the following components in about the following amounts per 100 parts by weight of polymer:______________________________________ Component Parts by Weight ______________________________________ azodicarbonamide 1 to 25 p,p'oxybis-benzene 0.5 to 3.5 sulfonyl hydrazide silanol condensation catalyst 0.02 to 0.

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: A flame-retardant latex foam contains at least 35 (and preferably 40 to 55) parts by weight of an expandable graphite per hundred parts by weight of latex. Additional flame-retardant materials (e.g. hydrated aluminas, magnesium hydroxide, compounds of halogen and/or phosphorus, boron compounds, antimony oxides or melamine) can be included in the foam formulation, as can fillers or intumescent agents. The expandable graphite contains one or more exfoliating agents such that considerable expansion will occur at high temperatures. Foams according to the present invention satisfy the conditions of British Standard Specification Nos. 5852; Part 2; 1982 and 4735; 1974.

Abstract: A composition and method for polymerization of cycloolefins using a feed stream including an iodide containing activator to form a substantially cross-linked polymeric product. The polymeric product may be formed by polymerization in an intricately shaped mold and/or be of ultra-low density. High glass transition temperature and fiber reinforced products are formed.

Abstract: A crosslinked polyvinyl chloride resin composition comprising:A: a polyvinyl chloride resin,B: at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers, ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymers and ethylene/alkyl methacrylate copolymers, andC: a polyolefin resin and having a high expansion ratio, and a foam sheet prepared from the composition.

Abstract: A gas-releasing composition of a t-alkylhydrazinium salt and/or a carbonylhydrazine and at least one compound selected from free radical forming sources, metal oxides, and sulfur and/or sulfur donor compounds wherein when sulfur and/or a sulfur donor compound is used, the composition will also contain one or more members selected from sulfur accelerators, metal oxides, and amino-alcohols. This novel gas-releasing composition permits the selectively tailoring of the gas evolution of a system in order to meet a wide range of specific application areas polymer characteristics and conditions over a wide temperature range.

Abstract: Foamable thermoplastic compositions are described which are based on pre-compounded concentrated blends of an inorganic non-fibrous particulate foaming agent and a carrier polymer. The foamable thermoplastic polymer is selected from among aromatic polycarbonates alone or with acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers polyesters, poly(ester-carbonates), and polyetherimides. The foaming agent may optionally be added as part of the concentrate.

Abstract: A foaming resin composition comprising an unsaturated random copolymer consisting of propylene, ethylene, and a branched 1,4-diene represented by the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group having not more than 8 carbon atoms; and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having not more than 8 carbon atoms, provided that R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 do not simultaneously represent a hydrogen atom, and a chemical foaming agent. The composition is prevented from increasing in temperature due to shearing during molding into a foamable sheet and, therefore, provides a uniform foamed product.

Abstract: Olefin polymer foams having improved cell structures and relatively smooth outer surfaces produced by foaming a composition containing a thermoplastic olefin polymer, p,p'-oxybis-benzene sulfonyl hydrazide, a monomeric acrylate ester of a polyhydric compound and an organic peroxide. These foams can be formed into shaped articles of desired configuration by conventional thermoforming molding techniques.

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: Low density foams are prepared from an admixture which comprises an unsaturated polyester resin, a free radical initiator which initiator is activated at temperatures from about 100.degree. to about 400.degree. F., and a compound selected from a t-alkylhydrazinium salt or a carbonylhydrazine. The low density foams have uniform cell structure without cracks or voids and the process is efficient.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymer particles which have anti-static and anti-lumping properties during expansion and after molding into an article are produced by adding 0.1 to 0.4 parts of dialkyl bisalkoxylated quaternary ammonium salts per 100 parts of polymer particles by coating of the expandable polymer particles with the salts. The salts may be added as sole antistatic agent or in addition to the known internal additives which impart fastcool and antilump properties.

Abstract: Expandable styrene polymer particles which have anti-static and anti-lumping properties during expansion and after molding into an article are produced by adding 0.1 to 0.4 parts of trialkyl alkylalkoxylated quaternary ammonium salts, per 100 parts of polymer particles by coating of the expandable polymer particles with the salts. The salts may be added as sole antistatic agent or in addition to the known internal additives which impart fast-cool and anti-lump properties.

Abstract: Crosslinked elastomeric and/or thermoplastic closed-cell foams having low densities are prepared from an admixture which comprises a crosslinkable thermoplastic and/or elastomeric polymer, a free radical initiator which is activated at temperatures from about 50.degree. C. to about 350.degree. C., and a t-alkylhydrazinium salt or a carbonylhydrazine.

Abstract: A gas-releasing composition of a t-alkylhydrazinium salt and/or a carbonylhydrazine and at least one compound selected from free radical forming sources, metal oxides, and sulfur and/or sulfur donor compounds wherein when sulfur and/or a sulfur donor compound is used, the composition will also contain one or more members selected from sulfur accelerators, metal oxides, and amino-alcohols. This novel gas-releasing composition permits the selectively tailoring of the gas evolution of a system in order to meet a wide range of specific application areas polymer characteristics and conditions over a wide temperature range.

Abstract: Polyphosphazene elastomers for use in making low density foam comprising a --P<.dbd.N].sub.n substantially linear backbone randomly substituted with 20-80 mole percent phenoxy, 20-80 mole percent lower alkylphenoxy, 1-50 mole percent alkoxy and 0.5-20 mole percent alkenylphenoxy and the foamed products made therefrom.

Abstract: Closed-cell crosslinked sponges of varying densities are prepared from an admixture of a vulcanizable elastomer, vulcanizing ingredients selected from sulfur or sulfur donor compounds together with metal oxides and/or sulfur vulcanization accelerators and a t-alkylhydrazinium salt and/or carbonylhydrazine. The crosslinked sponges have uniform cellular structures and are easily prepared with the desired density.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for foaming thermoplastic aromatic polycarbonates, 2-phenyl-1-oxa-3,4-diazol-5-ones acylated in the 4-position being used in combination with cyanuric acid.

Abstract: Foamable hot-melt adhesives comprised of a per se known hot-melt adhesive having a foaming additive therein, for example an organic azo compound. These adhesives can function in a purely physical foaming manner but can also function as crosslinking material, i.e. as solidifying and bonding materials. The foamable hot-melt adhesives of the invention can be used, for example, in sealing cable ends, for filling any desired aperture in the construction field, for sealing windows, doors, etc. or for sealing articles of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved nitro urea compound specifically the zinc salt of nitro urea useful as a blowing agent composition, its preparation and its use.

Abstract: A foamed plastic insulator such as an insulated wire having a foamed plastic material insulation layer formed over a conductor. The plastic material includes at least one component having a swelling ratio greater than 55%, and the component comprises at least 20% by weight of the insulation layer. The insulated wire is produced by adding a blowing agent such as a chemical blowing agent and an inert gas and extruding the mixture over a conductor.

Abstract: A foamable thermoplastic composition comprising in admixture (a) a polycarbonate resin, alone, or with (b) a polyester, (c) a minor amount of a foaming agent and (d) a minor amount of an inorganic non-fibrous particulate nucleating agent, alone, or with a particulate organic polymeric material, wherein (d) has an aspect ratio of about 1 and a small particle size.

Abstract: A backing material consisting essentially of a two part phthalallic polyester resin including an expansion agent and a filler in an amount to offset shrinking during curing.

Abstract: Unit soles having a smooth, dull appearance are molded from a polymeric composition comprising a radial (AB)--.sub.x BA monoalkenyl arene/conjugated diene block copolymers, syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene a polystyrene resin, a hydrocarbon extending oil, a blowing agent and a filler.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising an ethylene-vinyl acetate-carbon monoxide copolymer and a nitrogen-containing or an alicyclic epoxy compound, and a foamable polymer composition comprising an ethylene-vinyl acetate-carbon monoxide copolymer, a heat-decomposable organic blowing agent having a decomposition temperature of at least 90.degree. C., and a nitrogen-containing or an alicyclic epoxy compound.