Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, open-cell microcellular alkenyl aromatic polymer foam useful in insulating applications. The foam has an open cell content of about 70 percent or more. The foam has an average cell size of about 70 micrometers or less. The foam is particularly useful in evacuated or vacuum insulation panels. Further disclosed is a process for making the open-cell foam. Further disclosed is a fabricated foam article.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evacuated and unevacuated microcellular foam containing an infrared attenuating agent (IAA). The evacuated foam has an average cell size of about 70 micrometers or less. The unevacuated foam has an average cell size of 1.0 micrometers or less. The IAA provide a greater proportional reduction in foam thermal conductivity in these foams than in foams of larger cell size. Further disclosed is a method of using the foams.

Abstract: A composition for lustering and protecting a surface such as a rubber sidewall of a vehicle tire or a vinyl or similar surface. The composition has as one ingredient thereof from about 5 wt. % to about 95 wt. % of a silicone component. This silicone component has (1) from about 10 wt. % to 100 wt. % of a high molecular weight liquid linear polysiloxane having a molecular weight above about 550, and (2) from 0 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of a low molecular weight liquid linear and/or cyclic polysiloxane having a molecular weight below about 550. The composition includes a second ingredient being from about 5 wt. % to about 95 wt. % of a propellant component, and contains no petroleum distillate solvents.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a crystalline microporous polymer and process for preparing a low density microporous polymer comprising, providing a mixture of a polymer and a polymer solvent, the mixture capable of achieving a supercritical condition; applying pressure, at a temperature sufficient for the mixture to attain a super critical condition; cooling the supercritical solution that results and precipitating a microporous crystalline polymer product.

Abstract: Rigid foams having improved insulation properties are made by reacting a polyisocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive material in the presence of a blowing agent mixture composed of from about 1 to about 30% by weight of at least one C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 polyfluoroalkane and from about 70 to about 99% by weight of an HCFC, preferably an HCFC selected from chlorodifluoromethane, 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Compositions of nonafluoromethoxybutane and at least one component selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-heptane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene and acetone, and 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane are described. These compositions are useful as cleaning agents, displacement drying agents, refrigerants, heat transfer media, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, and buffing abrasive agents.

Abstract: An expandable thermoplastic composition is disclosed for extrusion foaming wherein the composition comprises a polyethylene resin and a blowing agent comprising ethane present in an amount of at least about 40 percent or more by weight based upon the total weight of the blowing agent and a different alkane selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5, and C.sub.6 alkanes and mixtures thereof, wherein the minimum percentage of ethane increases above 40 percent as the arithmetic mean carbon number of the different alkane increases from 3 to 5. A process for extrusion foaming of the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses novel azeotrope-like mixtures of fluorinated compounds which are useful for heating and cooling as heat transfer agents and/or refrigerants. The azeotrope-like mixture comprises: (a) pentafluoropropane; and (b) a hydrofluorocarbon of the formula: C.sub.x F.sub.y H.sub.z, wherein x is 3, 4, 5, or 6 and y and z are each independently 1 or a positive whole number such that the result of y/(y+z) is greater than 0.67.

Abstract: Substantially constant boiling mixtures of difluoromethane and 1,1,1-trifluoroethane or perfluoroethane are useful as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, and expansion agents for polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing non-CFC resol foams of low density using perfluorinated ethers along with a HCFC or CFC blowing agent, and to foams produced by such a process. The process generally comprises: (a) forming a mixture by combining a resol resin with a blowing-agent blend comprising (i) at least one blowing agent selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated chlorofluorocarbons and hydrogenated fluorocarbons and (ii) at least one perfluoroether additive selected from the group consisting of perfluorinated ethers; (b) adding an acid catalyst to the mixture to initiate foaming and form a foam; and (c) curing the foam to form a cured foam that is essentially free of CFCs.

Abstract: This invention relates to insulating foams and to a process for producing the foams. Preferably, the foams are made from phenol formaldehyde resins. The blowing agents for making the foams include film forming coating material which coats the interior surfaces of the foam cells. The coated foams have better thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Expandable styrene bead polymers having improved expandability contain from 1 to 20% by weight of a liquid oligomeric aliphatic olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms and a degree of polymerization of from 2 to 200.

Abstract: There is now provided a closed cell rigid polyisocyanate based foam blown with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon and formic acid as blowing agents, which possesses a uniform density gradient varying by not more than 10 percent. There is also now provided a polyol composition and a froth foaming mixture having good flow by employing a polyol and formic acid in the presence of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon having a boiling point of 300 K or less as co-blowing agents. The polyol composition advantageously has an average OH number of less than 400 and an average functionality of greater than 4, which when reacted with the isocyanate in the presence of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon, yields a rigid closed cell polyisocyanate based dimensionally stable foam having a fine cell structure.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed which include 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and a propane, tris(trifluoromethyl)amine, trifluoromethylsulfur pentafluoride or fluoroethane. The term propane includes compounds of the formula C.sub.3 F.sub.a H.sub.8-a wherein 0.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.8 as well as cyclic compounds of the formula C.sub.3 F.sub.b H.sub.6-b wherein 0.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.6. These compositions are useful as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, and displacement drying agents.

Abstract: Azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions of effective amounts of 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cyclopentane and methanol or 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and cyclopentane to form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition are disclosed that are useful as cleaning agents, refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes and as power cycle working fluids.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane are provided. The compositions of the invention are useful in the preparation of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams and as aerosol propellants.

Abstract: A fluoroelastomer polymer foam having a compression set value in the range of from about 8.3% to about 43% and closed cell microvoids having diameters of from about 0.002 mm to about 0.048 mm or less, and a method for foaming a fluoroelastomer polymer comprising the steps of dispersing in a fluoroelastomer polymer to be foamed a phenol-based blowing agent to produce a foaming formulation and curing the formulation at a temperature of from about 250.degree. F. (121.degree. C.) to about 450.degree. F. (232.degree. C.) and a pressure of from about ambient to about 3.0 atm.

Abstract: Expandable styrene resin beads are described, which, when expanded to a bulk density of 20 g/l, give pre-expanded beads in which the number of cells present along those surface parts of radii which range from the bead surface to a depth of 0.2 mm from the surface is from 3 to 20 per mm and to the bead center is 10 or larger per mm, the number of the number of cells present along those inner parts of the radii which range from a depth of 1 mm from the bead surface to the bead center is 10 or larger per mm, the number of cells present along said surface parts being smaller than the number of cells present along said inner parts.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed which include 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and a propane, tris(trifluoromethyl)amine, trifluoromethylsulfur pentafluoride or fluoroethane. The term propane includes compounds of the formula C.sub.3 F.sub.a H.sub.8-a wherein 0.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.8 as well as cyclic compounds of the formula C.sub.3 F.sub.b H.sub.6-b wherein 0.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.6. These compositions are useful as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, and displacement drying agents.

Abstract: Compositions of 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutane and a compound of the formula selected from the group consisting of a 4-6 carbon linear or a cyclic hydrofluorocarbon or fluorocarbon, a 3-5 carbon fluoroether, a fluorinated alcohol, perfluoro-n-methylmorpholine; and an ether are disclosed.These compositions, which may be azeotropic or azeotrope-like, may be used as refrigerants, in small turbine high speed compressors. They may also be used as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, displacement drying agents or as an anesthetic.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions of trifluoromethane, carbon dioxide, ethane, and hexafluoroethane are provided. The compositions of the invention are environmentally desirable for use as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, blowing agents for polymer foam, heat transfer media, and gaseous dielectrics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal insulating foamed material with excellent thermal insulating properties and a method of manufacturing the same. The method comprises the steps of: concurrently mixing and blowing a polyurethane material to produce a foamed polyurethane resin composition with a multiplicity of closed cells, the polyurethane material including a reactive blowing agent, a volatile compound having a boiling point of not higher than 150.degree. C. and a molecular weight of not less than 70, an epoxy compound, and a carbon dioxide fixation catalyst, wherein the closed cells are filled with the volatile compound and carbon dioxide produced by a reaction of the reactive blowing agent with a polyisocyanate; and allowing the carbon dioxide to chemically react with epoxy groups of the epoxy compound in the presence of the carbon dioxide fixation catalyst to form a solid or liquid cyclic carbonate.

Abstract: Low density, heat stabilized, flame retardant styrenic polymer foam compositions, include a halogen-based flame retardant such as hexabromocyclododecane and zeolite A heat stabilizer.

Abstract: Azeotropic compositions made up of from about 60 to about 78% by weight of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and from about 22 to about 40% by weight of tetramethylsilane have been found to be particularly useful as blowing agents for the production of polyurethane foams.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane are provided. The compositions of the invention are useful in the preparation of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams and as aerosol propellants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of compositions which include a first component of tetrafluoropropane, trifluoropropane, difluoropropane or fluoropropane and a second component of tetrafluoropropane, trifluoropropane, difluoropropane, fluoropropane and 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-trifluoromethylpropane, a hydrocarbon or dimethylether. These compositions are useful as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefin and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, refrigerants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, and displacement drying agents.

Abstract: Low density PET foam is extruded by heating PET resin above the crystalline melt point to melt the resin, combining Heptane as the blowing agent with the PET resin to create a mixture, cooling the mixture to a temperature of less than 538.degree. K., and extruding the foam through a die. The Heptane is about 0.5-5% by weight of the mixture, and preferably about 1-3%.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, open-cell microcellular alkenyl aromatic polymer foam useful in insulating applications. The foam has an open cell content of about 70 percent or more. The foam has an average cell size of about 70 micrometers or less. The foam is particularly useful in evacuated or vacuum insulation panels. Further disclosed is a process for making the open-cell foam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing thermoplastic foam, including:(a) melting a thermoplastic polymer to produce a polymer melt;(b) introducing a carbon dioxide blowing agent into the polymer melt;(c) adding to the polymer melt one or more additives selected from the group consisting of(1) polysiloxane, and(2) mineral oil; and(d) extruding and foaming the melted polymer melt, blowing agent, and one or more additives to produce thermoplastic foam.The resultant thermoplastic foam can be thermoformed into various foamed articles, such as foam packaging trays. The quality of foams made from a carbon dioxide blowing agent, and particularly 100% carbon dioxide, has been found to be substantially improved by adding one or more of the foregoing additives, i.e., polysiloxane, mineral oil and, optionally, polyolefin to the polymer melt during the extrusion and foaming process.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing alkenyl aromatic foams utilizing a combination of atmospheric and organic gases as blowing agent, preferably using greater than 30% by weight of atmospheric gas, and preferably also using a predetermined about of a masterbatch mix comprising a styrenic polymer, a rubbery block copolymer, and a solid blowing agent. Also disclosed are alkenyl aromatic foams produced by the process which exhibit increased densities, increased thermoforming capabilities, increased post-expansion properties, and increased retainment of the atmospheric and organic gases.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded, linear, bimodal monovinyl aromatic polymer foam having a weight average molecular weight of from about 100,000 to about 200,000, greater than 5 percent by weight of its polymer chains having a weight average molecular weight of 500,000 to 1,000,000, and less than 5 percent by weight of its polymer chains having a weight average molecular weight of greater than 1,000,000. Use of the polymer enables process pressure drop to be significantly reduced and allows the formation of a foam of lower density and larger cross-section. Further disclosed is a process for making the extruded foam.

Abstract: Insulating foam for refrigerators and the like is prepared by blowing in the presence of carbon dioxide as the sole or principal blowing agent. The thermal conductivity of the foam is decreased by sealing said foam in a gas-impervious enclosure with at least one getter, such as an alkaline material, capable of removing carbon dioxide and at least one drying agent which will produce a relative humidity greater than the equilibrium relative humidity over a saturated aqueous solution of the getter, thus removing water without rendering the getter anhydrous. For example, calcium chloride dihydrate may be used when the getter is sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: The azeotropic compositions of 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and 1,1-difluoroethane and the azeotropic and azeotropic-like composition of 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and one of, 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane, perfluorocyclobutane, n-butane, isobutane and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, and their use as refrigerants, aerosol propellants and blowing agents for polymer foams, are disclosed. The azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and one of perfluorocyclobutane and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane are also useful as fire extinguishants.

Abstract: Low density, heat stabilized, flame retardant styrenic polymer foam compositions include a halogen-based flame retardant such as hexabromocyclododecane and zeolite A heat stabilizer.

Abstract: A foamed plastic manufactured by foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic is less than atmospheric pressure, is disclosed. Further, a foamed plastic manufactured by hermetically sealing with an airtight film and foaming a mixture of a resin and a volatile polymerizable foaming agent, wherein the pressure in a gap region between the airtight film and the foamed plastic and the pressure in the foams of the foamed plastic are less than atmospheric pressure is disclosed. Further, a method of manufacturing foamed plastic comprising foaming a mixture of a volatile polymerizable foaming agent and a resin, and irradiating the foamed plastic with an energy beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a normally solid, high molecular weight, non-linear, substantially gel-free, propylene polymer material characterized by high melt strength due to strain hardening which is believed to be caused by free-end long chain branches of the molecular chains forming the polymer.Also disclosed is a process for making the polymer by high energy radiation of a normally solid, high molecular weight, linear, propylene polymer in a reduced active oxygen environment, maintaining the irradiated material in such environment for a specific period of time, and then deactivating free radicals in the material.Further disclosed is the use of the strain hardening polymer in extensional flow operations such as, for example, extrusion coating, film production, foaming and thermoforming.

Abstract: A blowing composition comprising (1) at least one member selected from the group consisting of difluoromethane, 1,1-difluoroethane and 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and (2) at least one member selected from the group consisting of propane, i-butane, n-butane, pentane, isopentane, cyclopentane and dimethylether; a method for producing a foam by using the composition; and a form according to the method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing phenolic foams frown phenolic resins using a blowing agent comprising 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobutane. These blowing agents are much more environmentally friendly than the conventional chlorofluorocarbons and do not adversely affect the properties of the foams produced.

Abstract: It is disclosed a plastic foam product having and exhibiting excellent temperature resistance, tear resistance, and flexibility properties produced from a blend comprising poly-1-butene, styrenic block copolymer, and/or an olefinic rubber, and optionally a non-elastomeric polyolefin. These foams are particularly useful in very high temperature applications such as pipe wrap in refrigerators and HVAC.

Abstract: Azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions of effective amounts of 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, heptane and an alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol or isopropanol, to form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition are disclosed that are useful as cleaning agents, refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes and as power cycle working fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compatibilized carbon black useful in melt processing of plastic material. The carbon black is coated with a compatibilizing agent which enhances the dispersibility of the carbon black in a melt of the plastic material. Further disclosed are processes for making plastic foam structures with the compatibilized carbon black.

Abstract: Insulating foam for refrigerators and the like is prepared by blowing in the presence of carbon dioxide as the sole or principal blowing agent. The thermal conductivity of the foam is decreased by sealing said foam in a gas-impervious enclosure with at least one getter, such as an alkaline material, capable of removing carbon dioxide and at least one drying agent which will produce a relative humidity greater than the equilibrium relative humidity over a saturated aqueous solution of the getter, thus removing water without rendering the getter anhydrous. For example, calcium chloride dihydrate may be used when the getter is sodium hydroxide.

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

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a closed cell, rigid, polymer foam from polymer foam-forming ingredients containing a filler which comprises:(a) dispersing the filler in at least a portion of the foam-forming ingredients to form a filled dispersion, a fluorochemical surfactant being incorporated in the foam-forming ingredients either before, during or after the dispersing operation to form a dispersion containing a filler and a fluorochemical surfactant,(b) mixing the dispersion formed in step (a) with any remaining foam-forming ingredient or ingredients, and(c) foaming and curing the resultant foam-forming composition.The fluorochemical surfactant improves the stability, flowability and mixing of the dispersion during the foam production.

Abstract: Azeotropic compositions made up of from about 65 to about 81% by weight of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and from about 19 to about 35% by weight of 2-methyl butane have been found to be particularly useful as blowing agents for the production of polyurethane foams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of pentafluoropropane and a fluorinated propane having from 1 to 5 fluorine atoms; a hydrocarbon having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobutane, (CF.sub.3).sub.2 CHCH.sub.3, dimethyl ether; or 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane. The compositions, which may be azeotropic or azeotrope-like, may be used as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, refrigerants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents or displacement drying agents.

Abstract: An uncrosslinked, closed cell, low density ethylenic polymer foam having a density of less than 150 kg/m.sup.3 is prepared from, for example, uncrosslinked low density polyethylene using inorganic blowing agents, such as carbon dioxide, argon, or mixtures thereof. A process for preparing such uncrosslinked, closed cell, low density ethylenic polymer foam comprising extruding a ethylenic polymer of suitable melt tension using a 100 percent inorganic blowing agent, such as carbon dioxide, argon, or mixtures thereof, and the foams produced with this process are also disclosed.

Abstract: Rigid polyurethane foams are produced by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with a sucrose-based polyether polyol in the presence of a catalyst and a blowing agent selected from hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbons, hydrogen-containing fluorocarbons, hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof. These foams are characterized by good demold and insulation properties.

Abstract: A novel biaxially oriented polystrene sheet product and process for making the sheet. Oriented polystyrene sheet is prepared by melt extruding a polymer, such as styrenic resin having average molecular weight of at least 270,000, blended with a processing agent, such as mineral oil, to lower glass transition temperature of the resin by at least 10.degree. C. The cooled extruded sheet is biaxially oriented under reduced orientation load conditions and orientation temperature. In a preferred embodiment styrenic resin is blended with about 3-10 wt % paraffinic hydrocarbon oil, such as mineral white oil or the like, in the substantial absence of other additives to provide a clear, oriented polystyrene sheet product having high modulus and low haze.

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