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: Foams of density 0.1 to 1.0 g/cm.sup.3 based on aromatic polyether ketones and other thermoplastic polymers having a high melting point are obtained by melting an intimate mixture of the polymer and from 0.5 to 10% by weight of an aliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acid or polycarboxylic acid which suffers a weight loss of 50% or more with elimination of gaseous decomposition products on heating to from 130 to 300.degree. C., and simultaneously cooling and molding the melt.

Abstract: A process for packaging a product, particularly one with sharp protrusions such as cuts of meat, a composition for cushioning the sharp protrusions during packaging and shipping and a foamed material prepared therefrom, the process including the steps of applying a foamed composition to the product to be package; and encasing the product in an outer package. The foamed material can be applied in liquid or semi-liquid form at a point-of-contact temperture less than about l30 .degree. F. with solidification occurring substantially on contact. The foamed material is, preferably, applied selectively to cover the sharp protrusions and contains a chemical substrate which includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate and mixtures thereof, an aliphatic hydrocarbon and an antioxidant stabilizer. A suitable gas is encapsulated within the chemical substrate.

Abstract: An EVA closed cell foam is composed of 100 parts of EVA, 1 to 5 parts of azodicarbonamide, 3 to 10 parts of zinc oxide, 1 to 5 parts of zinc stearate, 1 to 3 parts of stearic acid, and 15 to 25 parts of electrically conductive carbon black. The composition is stirred in a stirring machine. The stirred composition is mixed in a mixing machine. The mixed composition is rolled out with a calender roller and sliced to a plurality of sheets. The sheets are cured with a curing machine.

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

Abstract: Compositions for producing foamed products which include additives and blowing agents which cause the surface treatment additives to migrate to the surfaces of foamed products. The products produced from the compositions require less additives because the incorporated additives are concentrated at the surface thereof.

Abstract: Open-celled, elastic, flexible polyurethane foams are made without using a chlorofluorocarbon blowing agent. A polyisocyanate is reacted with a polyether in the presence of water and from about 0.1 to abour 10% by weight (based on polyether) of an organic blowing agent selected from dicarbonic acid alkyl esters, dicarbonic acid cycloalkyl esters, dicarbonic acid benzyl esters and combinations thereof. Optional starting materials include catalysts, chain lengthening agents, emulsifiers and other commonly used additives.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a special class of sulfonic and phosphonic acids, and salts of the acids, to give improved nucleation for foam extrusion of thermoplastics using either dissolved gas or chemical blowing agents to produce foam.

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: This invention relates to the use of a special class of sulfonic and phosphonic acids, and salts of the acids, to give improved nucleation for foam extrusion of thermoplastics using either dissolved gas or chemical blowing agents to produce foam.

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: Alkenyl aromatic thermoplastic synthetic resinous elongate foam bodies having a machine direction, a traverse direction and closed noninterconnecting gas-containing cells are prepared using at least 70 percent by weight of 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane as a blowing agent or part of a blowing agent mixture. These foam bodies have an average cell size of 0.01 to 0.3 millimeters, a density of from about 0.75 to about 6.0 pounds per cubic foot, an absolute dimensional stability of less than 4 percent in any direction when measured by the test designated ASTM D2126/C578, and preferably a minimum cross-sectional dimension of at least 0.25 inch, a cross-sectional area of at least 8 square inches, a water vapor permeability not greater than 1.8 per inch.A cell size enlarger agent may be necessary for cell sizes in the 0.2-0.3 range.

Abstract: A stabilized powdered endothermic blowing agent which is a mixture of a polycarboxylic acid and an inorganic carbonate, and 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: A polymer is disclosed that is useful in increasing the viscosity of carbon dioxide. That polymer comprises a polydialkylsilalkylene polymer; wherein the dialkyl group is preferably dimethyl, methylethyl, or diethyl; and the alkylene group is preferably ethylene or methylene. Preferably, the polymer is polydimethylsilalkylene. That polymer can be used in a method for recovering oil from an underground oil-bearing earth formation penetrated by an injection well and a producing well, in which method carbon dioxide is injected into the formation to displace oil towards the producing well from which oil is produced to the surface. The viscosity of the carbon dioxide injected into the formation is increased at least three-fold by the presence of a sufficient amount of the polydialkylsilalkylene polymer and a sufficient amount of a cosolvent to form a solution of the polymer in the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Foams having high compressive strength are obtained by extrusion of a mixture of a styrene polymer and from 3 to 9% by weight of a blowing agent consisting of from 80 to 100% by weight of CO.sub.2 and from 0 to 20% by weight of one or more halohydrocarbons or hydrocarbons which are gaseous at room temperature, the mixture being extruded into a zone under from 0.1 to 2 bar gage pressure and the foam being allowed to stabilize under this pressure.

Abstract: A method for preparing a flexible polyurethane foam, wherein a polyether-polyol having an average molecular weight from 1000 to 8000 and an average functionality not larger than 4, is brought into reaction with an organic polyisocyanate in the presence of a foam stabilizer, a catalyst and blowing agent comprising methylformate, wherein a cross-linker/extender and/or amine catalyst with delayed action is added to said reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method of introducing flame retardants into expandable vinyl aromatic polymer beads made in a one-step process is disclosed. Flame retardants with good solubility in blowing agents are introduced after monomer conversion is substantially complete, resulting in vinyl aromatic polymer beads with low residual monomer content.

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 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: A new rigid polyvinyl chloride foam is provided which has been improved with respect to the thickness of its non-foamed layer and the surface properties including its tensile strength and compressive strength. The foam can be produced preferably by mixing 3-10 parts per hundred of resin (per hundred resin) of dioctyl phthalate and 4-20 phr of an impact-resistance modifier such as a methyl methacrylate acid-butadiene-styrene copolymer with a composition of 100 phr of vinyl chloride resin, 5 phr of a processing aid, 2 phr of a heat stabilizer, 0.5 phr of a lubricant, 0.75 phr of a foaming agent and 0.75 phr of boric acid, and then extruding the resulting mixture from a single-screw extruder.

Abstract: Sterically hindered cyclic amines which are substituted by a photoactivatable acyl group at the basic nitrogen atom can be deacylated by irradiation with UV light. This is advantageous if the basicity of the amines proves troublesome during application. Examples of such photoactivatable acyl groups are phenylglyoxyl, phenylacetyl or naphthylacetyl groups.

Abstract: An intumescent material comprises expandible graphite in a polymeric binder. The binder may be a flexible or elastomeric binder or a formaldehyde resin. A suitable flexible binder is a polymer selected from vinyl acetate polymers, styrene polymers, vinyl chloride polymers, acrylic polymers, vinyl butyral polymers, melamine/urea/phenol formaldehyde resins, polyesters and phenolic resins. A suitable elastomeric binder is a rubber. A suitable formaldehyde resin is melamine formaldehyde resin, urea formaldehyde resin, phenol formaldehyde resin or resorcinol formaldehyde resin.

Abstract: A composition useful in the manufacture of cable comprising:(i) a thermpolastic polymer;(ii) a metal hydrate flame retardant compound; and(iii) a blowing agent, which decomposes at a temperature in the range of about 160.degree. C. to the decomposition temperature of the thermpolastic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a novel blowing agent masterbatch for the preparation of polystyrene foams, comprising:(a) 30 to 80 weight percent of a plasticizer-containing polystyrene having a Vicat softening temperature between 30.degree. and 50.degree. C.;(b) 20 to 70 weight percent of blowing agent based on solid organic acids and alkali metal (bi) carbonates; and optionally(c) 10 to 20 weight percent of cell regulators.

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.

Abstract: Tetrahalophthalate esters are disclosed herein as flame retardant processing aids for polystyrene resins.

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: A new rigid polyvinyl chloride foam is provided which has been improved with respect to the thickness of its non-foamed layer and the surface properties including its tensile strength and compressive strength. The foam can be produced preferably by mixing (per hundred resin) dioctyl phthalate and 4-20 phr of an impact-resistance modifier such as a methyl methacrylate acid-butadiene-styrene copolymer with a composition 100 phr of vinyl chloride resin, 5 phr of processing aid, 2 phr of a heat stabilizer, 0.5 phr of a lubricant, 0.75 phr of a foaming agent and 0.75 phr of boric acid, and then extruding the resulting mixture from a single-screw extruder.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of closed cell phenolic resin foams produced from compositions of phenol-aldehyde resole resins, and the foam products thus prepared. More particularly the present invention relates to the preparation of phenolic resin foams by a method employing a novel modified phenolic foam catalyst. The invention also relates to these modified phenolic foam catalysts which include an aromatic sulphonic acid and resorcinol.

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: The polyester film according to the present invention is produced by molding a composition comprising an aromatic polyester, 3 to 40 wt %, based on the amount of said polyester, of a crystalline polypropylene having a melt flow index of 0.2 to 120, and 0.001 to 3 wt %, based of the total amount of said polyester and said polypropylene, of a surface-active agent into a sheet; and stretching the thus obtained sheet at least one direction. The polyester film according to the present invention, which is obtained by the above process is low in the apparent specific gravity because of a large number of minute closed cells contained therein. Further, the polyester film according to the present invention shows a high opacifying power by adding a small amount of titanium oxide or without adding the titanium oxide, which have been added in a large amount. The polyester film can be used as the materials for printing plates and substrates in data devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expandable and expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particles having the ability to use a decreased amount of blowing agent to produce an expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particle of an equivalent bulk density or the same amount of blowing agent to produce an expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particle having a decreased bulk density by including a density modifier in the expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer particle in an amount of about 0.005 to 0.5 weight percent by weight of the total mixture. Also included as part of the invention are methods of making the expandable and expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particles wherein the expandable and expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particles have a density modifier included in an amount of about 0.005 percent to about 0.5 weight percent by weight of the total mixture.

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: Thermosetting fluoropolymer foams are made by mixing fluid form thermosetting fluoropolymer components having a substantial fluorine content, placing the mixture in a pressure tight chamber, filling the chamber with a gas, at relatively low pressure, that is unreactive with the fluoropolymer components, allowing the mixture to gel, removing the gelled fluoropolymer from the chamber and thereafter heating the fluoropolymer at a relatively low temperature to simultaneously cure and foam the fluoropolymer. The resulting fluoropolymer product is closed celled with the cells storing the gas employed for foaming. The fluoropolymer resins employed may be any thermosetting fluoropolymer including fluoroepoxies, fluoropolyurethanes and fluoroacrylates.

Abstract: Closed-celled foams of high compressive strength are obtained by extruding a mixture of a styrene polymer and from 8 to 16% by weight of a blowing agent mixture containing from 2 to 20% by weight of ethyl chloride, from 2 to 20% by weight of carbon dioxide, from 20 to 80% by weight of dichlorodifluoromethane and from 10 to 60% by weight of monochlorodifluoromethane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expandable and expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particles having the ability to use a decreased amount of blowing agent to produce an expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particle of an equivalent bulk density or the same amount of blowing agent to produce an expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particle having a decreased bulk density by including a density modifier in the expandable alkenyl aromatic polymer particle in an amount of about 0.005 to 0.5 weight percent by weight of the total mixture. Also included as part of the invention are methods of making the expandable and expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particles wherein the expandable and expanded alkenyl aromatic polymer particles have a density modifier included in an amount of about 0.005 percent to about 0.5 weight percent by weight of the total mixture.

Abstract: A method of making a foam injection molded article is disclosed wherein corrosion of the mold element is significantly reduced or substantially eliminated. The method comprises dispersing effective amounts of a primary chemical blowing agent of sodium borohydride and an activation system of sodium bicarbonate/citric acid mix into a polymer resin to form a mixture. The mixture is then heated whereby the activation system releases water and the sodium borohydride reacts with the water to produce hydrogen gas. The mixture is subsequently injected into a mold to obtain expansion of the polymer resin to form the foam article. The invention also comprehends a corresponding chemical blowing agent composition.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ether compositions rendered flame retardant with bromine-containing compounds can be foam molded into shaped articles free of streaking and without the generation of odors if the foaming agent comprises citric acid and sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for assuring consistent and, if desired, increased melt flow rate in a vinyl aromatic based polymer by controlling the degree of absorption of carbon dioxide, oxygen and/or argon for a substantial period of time immediately prior to introduction of the polymer into a molding machine.

Abstract: A method of making a foam injection molded article is disclosed wherein corrosion of the mold element is significantly reduced or substantially eliminated. The method comprises dispersing effective amounts of a primary chemical blowing agent of sodium borohydride and an activation system of sodium bicarbonate/citric acid mix into a polymer resin to form a mixture. The mixture is then heated whereby the activation system releases water and the sodium borohydride reacts with the water to produce hydrogen gas. The mixture is subsequently injected into a mold to obtain expansion of the polymer resin to form the foam article. The invention also comprehends a corresponding chemical blowing agent composition.

Abstract: Tetrahalophthalate esters are disclosed herein as flame retardant processing aids for polystyrene resins.

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: 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: Polyphenylene ether compositions rendered flame retardant with bromine-containing compounds can be foam molded into shaped articles free of streaking and without the generation of odors if the foaming agent comprises citric acid and sodium bicarbonate.

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

Abstract: Novel blowing agents for foamable organopolysiloxane compositions, notably the platinum-catalyzed such organopolysiloxane compositions, comprise admixture of calcium carbonate and an organic carboxylic acid.