Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making extruded, closed-cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters. The process comprises: a) heating an alkenyl aromatic polymer material having greater than 50 percent by weight alkenyl aromatic monomeric units to form a melt polymer material; b) incorporating into the melt polymer material at an elevated pressure a blowing agent comprising at least 50 percent by weight 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a) based upon the total weight of the blowing agent to form a foamable gel; c) cooling the foamable gel to an optimum foaming temperature prior to extrusion through a die; and d) extruding the foamable gel through a die to form the foam structure. Further disclosed is a foamable gel capable of forming an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters.

Abstract: Low density styrene polymer foams having highly desirable physical properties are prepared employing as a blowing agent a mixture of carbon dioxide, lower alcohol and water. The cell size can be effectively controlled by controlling the amount of water in the blowing agent mixture, i.e., small cell or large cell foams can be prepared. A process for preparing such foams is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a styrenic polymer foam blown with solely carbon dioxide and a process for making that styrenic polymer foam. Foam sheet made by this process is especially useful for thermoforming purposes.

Abstract: Polyolefin foams having a density of from 0.01 to 0.1 g/cm.sup.3 and having 2 to 1000 cells/mm.sup.2 and containing a resin acid, a lower alkyl ester of a resin acid or (hydro) abietyl phthalate as organic foaming aid have a homogeneous cell structure.

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: Compositions for producing foamed products which include filler and/or pigment additives and blowing agents which enhance the strength of weld lines which are produced when the compositions are molded. The products produced from the compositions have weld line that demonstrate superior strengths as compared to similar foamed products which do not utilized the particular blowing agents.

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

Abstract: The present invention is a styrenic polymer foam blown with solely carbon dioxide and a process for making that styrenic polymer foam. Foam sheet made by this process is especially useful for thermoforming purposes.

Abstract: Low density styrene polymer foams having highly desirable physical properties are prepared employing as a blowing agent a mixture of carbon dioxide, lower alcohol and water. The cell size can be effectively controlled by controlling the amount of water in the blowing agent mixture, i.e., small cell or large cell foams can be prepared. A process for preparing such foams is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making extruded, closed-cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters. The process comprises: a) heating an alkenyl aromatic polymer material having greater than 50 percent by weight alkenyl aromatic monomeric units to form a melt polymer material: b) incorporating into the melt polymer material at an elevated pressure a blowing agent comprising at least 50 percent by weight 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a) based upon the total weight of the blowing agent to form a foamable gel: c) cooling the foamable gel to an optimum foaming temperature prior to extrusion through a die: and d) extruding the foamable gel through a die to form the foam structure. Further disclosed is a foamable gel capable of forming an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam structure having an average cell size of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 millimeters.

Abstract: A degradable polymer network obtained by adding from 0.2 to 10 parts by weight of a foaming agent to 100 parts by weight of a polylactic acid-base resin composition comprising from 80 to 100% by weight of polylactic acid or a lactic acid-hydroxycarboxylic acid copolymer and from 0 to 20% by weight of a plasticizer, conducting melt-foaming extrusion of resulting mixture, and opening the foam cells in the extrudate. The high polymer network is characterized in suitable flexibility and hydrolyzability and thus useful as a material for absorbing of oils and body fluids, screens for sunlight, heat-insulating materials, filter media and packaging materials; and does not accumulate as industrial wastes because of hydrolyzability in the natural environment, even though abandoned after use.

Abstract: Polyolefin foams having a density of from 0.01 to 0.1 g/cm.sup.3 and having 2 to 1000 cells/mm.sup.2 and containing a resin acid, a lower alkyl ester or a resin acid or (hydro) abietyl phthalate as organic foaming aid have a homogeneous cell structure.

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

Abstract: A foam body is made integrally of at least a layer of foam material having great resilience and at least a layer of foam material having great capability to absorb shock. The foam material having great capability to absorb shock is made from a first mixture while the foam material having great resilience is made from a second mixture. The first and the second mixtures contain respectively 5-50% by weight of acrylobutadiene rubber, 50-95% by weight of polyvinyl chloride, a plasticizer, a bridging agent, a foaming agent, an extrusion-aiding agent and other additives. The first mixture differs from the second mixture in that the former contains less than 50 parts by weight of the plasticizer and that the latter contains more than 50 parts by weight of the plasticizer. The first and the second mixtures are stacked orderly in a mold cavity in which they are heated under pressure to foam to take shape of the foam body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to poly(ethylene terephthalate)("PET") polymer resins having high melt strength and advantageous non-Newtonian behavior; the resins can be foamed to produce closed cell structures with advantageous densities, cell sizes, cell size distributions, mechanical properties and thermal properties. More specifically, the PET resins of the present invention are highly branched due to the inclusion of one or more branching agents, and these resins can be advantageously used with environmentally friendly blowing agents.

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

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate composite structures having integral crystalline skins on a foam of polyethylene terephthalate are described. The structures exhibit enhanced physical properties compared to polyethylene terephthalate foams. The structures are produced by a method that crystallizes a portion of the polyethylene terephthalate before foaming the uncrystallized portions of the structure.

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 flexible foamed liquid crystal polymer film or sheet having uniformly small cells or bubbles. The foam cells are essentially spherical and have mean diameters less than or equal to approximately 250 microns. The cell size distribution is relatively small. The foamed sheet is made by extruding the polymer through a die under pressure at a temperature near or below the polymer's melting point; a gas or chemical blowing agent is extruded with the polymer to produce foaming as the polymer exits the die.

Abstract: Stable, emission-free, low-shrinkage, fireproof aminoplastic cellular foams are obtained by using an unsaturated, halogenated polyalcohol in the resin precondensate constituent and a dodecylbenzolsulphonic acid partially esterified preferably with a fatty alcohol and a long-chain polyhydric alcohol, preferably a polyethylene glycol, in the foaming agent hardener consituent. The foams are particularly suitable for building construction and for covering, as well as in the agricultural sector and or oil absorption. For certain of these applications, the resin pre-condensate constituent of the invention can be processed with a conventional foamer hardener constituent or the foamer hardener constituent of the invention can be processed with a conventional resin precondensate constituent.

Abstract: A foamable composition comprising an alkenyl aromatic polymer, blowing agent and a transient foam control agent that is effective to reduce polymer melt viscosity in the melt phase but nonmiscible and nondetrimental to the solid polymer.

Abstract: A foamable composition comprising an alkenyl aromatic polymer, blowing agent and a transient foam control agent that is effective to reduce polymer melt viscosity in the melt phase but nonmiscible and nondetrimental to the solid polymer.

Abstract: Foam sheets of high compressive strength are produced by extruding a mixture of a styrene polymer and from 5 to 16% by weight of a blowing agent mixture containinga) from 3 to 70% by weight of an alcohol or ketone having a boiling point of from 56.degree. to 100.degree. C.,b) from 5 to 50% by weight of carbon dioxide andc) from 0 to 90% by weight of a saturated C.sub.3 - to C.sub.5 -hydrocarbon and/or of a hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon or fluorinated hydrocarbon boiling at from -30.degree. to +30.degree. C.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate composite structures having integral crystalline skins on a foam of polyethylene terephthalate are described. The structures exhibit enhanced physical properties compared to polyethylene terephthalate foams. The structures are produced by a method that crystallizes a portion of the polyethylene terephthalate before foaming the uncrystallized portions of the structure.

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: Processes using high temperature thermoplastic polymers in the in-situ fabrication in the formation of foamed composite sandwich or foam articles often result in weak unsound products which may be avoided by utilizing a high temperature thermoplastic in powder form (22), a blowing agent having a high decomposition temperature (24), and, if desired, reinforcers and/or fillers (28), admixing the thermoplastic, blowing agent and reinforcer and fillers (30), placing the admixture in a mold and, if forming a composite structure, in abutment with at least one skin (34), compacting the contents of the mold (37), and applying sufficient heat and/or pressure to the mold and its contents to melt the thermoplastic and generate gas within said mixture by decomposition of the blowing agent (38). Also, an activator may be included with the blowing agent which promotes the production of gas (26).

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel, environmentally acceptable blowing agent and blowing agent blends and a process for producing thermalplastic, and particularly polyolefin foams using the environmentally acceptable blowing agent(s). The blowing agents of the present invention comprise difluoromethane and optionally a second blowing agent component which is nonflammable and possesses good blowing agent properties. Polyolefin foam is made by mixing a polyolefin resin and the blowing agent and introducing the resin/blowing agent mixture into a zone of lower pressure.

Abstract: A supermicrocellular foamed material and a method for producing such material, the material to be foamed such as a polymerplastic material, having a supercritical fluid, such as carbon dioxide in its supercritical state, introduced into the material to form a foamed fluid/material system having a plurality of cells distributed substantially throughout the material. Cell densities lying in a range from about 10.sup.9 to about 10.sup.15 per cubic centimeter of the material can be achieved with the average cell sizes being at least less than 2.0 microns and preferably in a range from about 0.1 micron to about 1.0 micron.

Abstract: A non-toxic chlorine and fluorine free solvent can be used as the major component in a carrying agent for PVC foam products made in a hot mold process.

Abstract: A process for the production of polycarbonate foam moldings is disclosed. Accordingly, a composition is prepared comprising mixing a thermoplastic polycarbonate resin and 0.01 to 1 mole-% of a transesterification catalyst anda) 0.1 to 5 mole-% of an aromatic polycarboxylic acid, optionally along with about 0.1 to 5 mole-% of at least one member selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydroxy carboxylic acids and aliphatic polyalcohols, orb) 0.1 to 5 mole-% of H.sub.2 O, optionally along with at about 0.1 to 5 mole-% of at least one member selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acids and an aliphatic alcohols, orc) the additives of said a) and b), ord) 0.1 to 5 mole-% of at least one member selected from the group consisting of diarylcarbonates and oligocarbonates,said percent based in every case on moles aromatic carbonate structural units ##STR1## in which --O--R--O is a diphenolate residue.

Abstract: A multi-component foamable silicone composition is described and claimed which is capable of curing quickly at 20.degree. C. to provide a low density foamed mass. The composition comprises (A) one or more polydiorganosiloxanes having not less than three alkyl-hydrogensiloxane units per molecule, (B) one or more polydiorganosiloxanes having not less than two alkenyl-siloxane units (C) a liquid alcohol, (D) a fluorinated silicone foam stabilizing material and (E) a platinum catalyst for promoting reaction between the components. The composition may be packaged as two or more individually stable parts of substantially equal volume and viscosity each in a receptacle of material which is adapted to be opened by rupture so as to release the components for admixture. The composition is intended for use in forming a foam medical dressing by dispensing onto a surface e.g. an open wound and allowing the composition to cure at room temperature.

Abstract: A process for producing a polystyrene resin foam is disclosed, which comprises supplying an extruding machine with a polystyrene resin, a fine inorganic powder and a highly volatile foaming agent, heating them to melt, and extruding the melt from the nozzle into a zone of the lower pressure, wherein 0.01 to 2 parts by weight of an alcoholic ester of a higher fatty acid is added to 100 parts by weight of the polystyrene resin. The process insures that foams having a skin of good aesthetic appeal that are free from staining and malodor can be produced consistently for a prolonged time without any fire hazard.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for the production of insulating styrenic foams comprising use of a blowing agent comprising a C.sub.4 -C.sub.5 alkane, CO.sub.2 and a halogenated ethane selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1-trifuluoroethane, 1-chloro-1, 1-difluoroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and mixtures thereof, wherein the halogenated ethane amount is less than 70.0 wt. % of the total blowing agent weight. The invention further comprises the styrenic foams made using the blowing agent composition and a paraffin wax. The method of the invention advantageously eliminates ethylchloride from styrenic foam production methods while limiting use of the halogenated ethane to minimum amounts suitable to produce foams with good insulative properties.

Abstract: A process for producing a foamed polyvinyl alcohol film, which comprises mechanically foaming an aqueous solution containing a polyvinyl alcohol and a plasticizer, coating the foamed solution on the substrate, followed by heat-drying.

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

Abstract: The invention is a plastic foam body which is resistant to the boring of insects and is useful in insulating buildings subject to such boring comprising a foamed thermoplastic polymer having a plurality of closed non-interconnecting cells, a minimum cross-sectional dimension of at least 30 mm, the foam body being without discontinuities and substantial variation in average cell size when cell size, wherein the foam body has a density, d, of 40 kg/m.sup.3 or greater, and average cell dimensions of at least 1.0 mm, V, E, and H in three mutually perpendicular directions at least 1.0 mm or greater in the second directions, at least 1.0 mm and 0.9 mm respectively and a resistance factor, R, of 600 or greater as calculated by Formula 1 ##EQU1## In another embodiment the invention is a method of insulating buildings subject to the boring of insects into the insulation thereof using the plastic foam bodies of the invention.

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

Abstract: A non-toxic chlorine and fluorine free solvent can be used as the major component in a carrying agent for PVC foam products made in a hot mold process.

Abstract: There is described a process for producing polyester foam fiber where sodium carbonate and citric acid are added as blowing agent before spinning together with polycarbonate. The proportion of blowing agent is from 0.15 to 0.80 percent by weight of the polyester and the proportion of polycarbonate is from 0.5 to 2 percent by weight of the polyester. The process of the invention makes it possible to produce foam fiber, i.e. filament or staple fiber with discontinuous voids, which may be used for example as carpet fiber and filling fiber for blankets and cushions or as a lining material for winter clothing.

Abstract: Processes using high temperature thermoplastic polymers in the in-situ fabrication in the formation of foamed composite sandwich or foam articles often result in weak unsound products which may be avoided by utilizing a high temperature thermoplastic in powder form (22), a blowing agent having a high decomposition temperature (24), and, if desired, reinforcers and/or fillers, (28), mixing the thermoplastic, blowing agent and reinforcer and fillers (30), placing the mixture in a mold and, if forming a composite structure, in abutment with at least one skin (34), and applying sufficient heat and/or pressure to the mold and its contents to melt the thermoplastic and generate gas within said mixture by decomposition of the blowing agent (38). Also, an activator may be included with the blowing agent which promotes the production of gas (26). The thermoplastic should be free from any material which will react with the blowing agent or the activator at temperatures below the melting point of the thermoplastic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of producing microcellular from which comprises the steps of:(a) selecting a multifunctional epoxy oligomer resin;(b) mixing said epoxy resin with a non-reactive diluent to form a resin-diluent mixture;(c) forming a diluent containing cross-linked epoxy gel from said resin-diluent mixture;(d) replacing said diluent with a solvent therefore;(e) replacing said solvent with liquid carbon dioxide; and(f) vaporizing off said liquid carbon dioxide under supercritical conditions, whereby a foam having a density in the range of 35-150 mg/cc and cell diameters less than about 1 .mu.m is produced.Also disclosed are the foams produced by the process.

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: The barrier properties, particularly water vapor transmission rate, of compositions comprising a stryene-butadiene polymer can be improved substantially by adding from about 0.5 to 10 percent of a polyethylene type wax to the composition.

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

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

Abstract: Olefin polymer foams prepared utilizing "soft" blowing agents have improved properties when a small amount of a stability control agent comprising a glycerol monoester of a C.sub.20-24 fatty acid is employed.

Abstract: The process of enabling foam moldings to expand further than otherwise by impregnating the expanded sheet with inorganic gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, air and other pneumatogens prior to reheating to effect expansion.