Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a water absorbing agent having a low amount of residual monomer, small variance of the amount of residual monomer among ranges of particle size distribution and favorable absorption properties, and being sanitary; an absorbing article; and a method for the production of a water absorbing agent. The water absorbing agent of the present invention has the amount of residual monomer of not higher than 500 ppm, and a residual monomer index of not greater than 0.30.

Abstract: A butyl rubber ionomer having improved adhesion to substrates whose surfaces have polar functional groups. Examples of such substrate materials include stainless steel, glass, mylar or Teflon®. The adhesion of the butyl rubber ionomer to the substrate is at least 25% greater than the adhesion of a non-ionomeric butyl rubber to the same substrate surface and with certain substrates is more than 150% greater. The adhesion is improved with increasing levels of multiolefin content in the butyl rubber ionomer. The adhesion is greatest for butyl rubber ionomers having a high multiolefin content (at least 3.5 mol% of multiolefin monomers or at least 1.5 mol % of residual multiolefins). By taking advantage of these high adhesion levels, a composite article can be formed between the butyl rubber ionomer and the substrate.

Abstract: Ion-conducting (co)polymer media and ion-conducting oligomer media close in ion conductivity to organic-solvent-based electrolytes can be produced easily and safely on industrial scale. These ion-conducting (co)polymer media use (co)polymers containing at least one cyclocarbonato group, and these ion-conducting oligomer media employ oligomers containing at least two cyclocarbonato groups.

Abstract: Silane-terminated prepolymers which contain, on at least one silicon atom, at least one hydrolyzable aryloxy type functional group. The use of these prepolymers, containing silyl-aryloxy terminated groups, in adhesive sealant formulations increases their reactivity so enabling the use of metal-based catalysts, which are in most cases toxic and act as oxidation catalysts, to be avoided or their quantity to be reduced compared with the standard quantity used in conventional formulations, yet ensuring considerably shorter cross-linking times than those of formulations based on known silane-terminated prepolymers.

Abstract: A polymer, a top coating layer, a top coating composition and an immersion lithography process using the same are disclosed. The top coating layer polymer may include a deuterated carboxyl group having a desired acidity such that the top coating layer polymer may be insoluble with water and a photoresist, and soluble in a developer. The polymer may be included in a top coating layer and a top coating composition.

Abstract: An oligomeric composition containing oligomers and at least one stabilizing component is provided. An aqueous dispersion composition containing the oligomeric composition is useful for treating tanned leather to provide leather with increased softness or strength. Also provided are a method of treating tanned leather using the composition and an article containing the treated leather.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for grafting bioactive polymers on a prosthetic material, the materials obtainable by said method and applications thereof. More specifically, the invention concerns a method for directly grafting polymers on the surface of prosthetic materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer wherein an increased rate of water absorption is obtained by the addition of an encapsulated blowing agent. The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer including an encapsulating blowing agent and having a vortex time of 40 seconds or less. In particular, the superabsorbent polymer includes from about 55 to about 99.9 wt. % of polymerizable unsaturated acid group containing monomers; from about 0.001 to about 5.0 wt. % of internal crosslinking agent; wherein the wherein the composition has a degree of neutralization of more than about 20%; and from about 0.05 to about 10.0 wt. % of an encapsulated blowing agent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preparing polymers bearing a terminal propionic acid. The method involves first reacting a water soluble and non-peptidic polymer comprising at least one hydroxyl group with a tertiary alkyl acrylate in the presence of a catalyst to form a propionic acid ester of the polymer, wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight of at least about 10,000 Da; and then treating the propionic acid ester of the polymer with a strong acid to form a propionic acid of the polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition which comprises or consists essentially of a high melt index ethylene acid copolymer comprising monomer units derived from ethylene, an alkyl (meth)acrylate, a (meth)acrylic acid, and an optional comonomer. Also disclosed is a composition comprising the ethylene acid copolymer crosslinked with a polyamine, a polyvalent metal salt, or combinations thereof. Also disclosed is a solution of the ethylene acid copolymer which can be used for solutions application to substrates.

Abstract: A process for making an aqueous dispersion is provided. More specifically, a process for making an aqueous dispersion having at least two polymeric components is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adhesive polymer composites containing at least one nitrile rubber polymer having a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 @ 100° C.) below 30, optionally at least one filler and optionally at least one cross-linking agent, a process for preparing the polymer composite wherein at least one nitrile rubber polymer having a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 @ 100° C.) below 30, optionally at least one filler and optionally at least one cross-linking agent are mixed and a self-supporting shaped article containing the compound optionally layered on or interposed between one or more supporting means. The present invention also relates to a tape containing the adhesive polymer composite optionally layered on or interposed between one or more supporting means. Further, the present invention relates to a sealant composition containing the adhesive polymer composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to superabsorbent polymer particles with improved surface cross-linking and their use in absorbent articles. The superabsorbent polymer particles of the present invention comprise polymer chain segments, wherein at least a part of the polymer chain segments are covalently cross-linked to each other and wherein at least a part of the cross-links comprise the reaction product of cross-linking molecules having at least two C?C double bonds and further comprise the reaction product of radical former molecules. These cross-links are present at surfaces of the superabsorbent polymer particles. Moreover, the invention relates a method for making these superabsorbent polymer particles.

Abstract: An electrodepositable coating composition comprising a cationic acrylic resin derived from an epoxy function acrylic resin and an IPDI trimer and coated substrates having improved sweat resistance are disclosed. Methods for using the coatings are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of hydrophobically modified polymers [HMPs], which have emerged as promising materials in diverse fields such as paints, cosmetics, oils, food and textiles. They are used as thickeners in these applications. In our study, the hydrophobic modification on PAA was performed using hydrophobic compounds obtained from naturally occurring materials such as Cashew Nut Shell Liquid, [CNSL]. The DCCI coupling method was chosen for the hydrophobic modification of PAA. A series of hydrophobically modified PAAs were synthesized with different degrees of hydrophobic contents and were characterized by solution rheology.

Abstract: A method for curing a chemical composition, the composition containing at least one or more binders having ethylenically unsaturated groups, as well as one or more initiators for triggering a radical polymerization. The method includes a thermal curing step, in which the curing of the composition is effected by a radical polymerization of the binder, which is triggered by a thermal initiator and is carried out under protective gas. Paint films having improved mechanical properties can be produced using the method according to the present invention.

Abstract: A gel-type polymer electrolyte, wherein said polymer comprises (A) an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer or a derivative thereof and (B) a polyalkylene oxide having a hydroxyl group at one terminal thereof or a derivative thereof, which are bonded together by an ester bond. The gel-type polymer electrolyte has a high ionic conductivity, and makes it possible to provides a cell which has excellent charge/discharge characteristics at low temperatures as well as at high temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-swellable material comprising an inherently crosslinked polymer matrix and inorganic solid particles bound therein with a time-dependent swelling behavior that corresponds to a water uptake of at least 7.5 times the inherent weight of the hybrid material within one hour, as well as the applications thereof. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacture of such a water-swellable hybrid material.

Abstract: Hydrophobically modified polymers containing vinylamine or ethylenimine units and obtainable by reacting (a) polymers containing vinylamine or ethylenimine units with (b) compounds of the formula R-A-(EO, PO, BuO)n—X??(I), where R is C4- to C26-alkyl or C4- to C26-alkenyl, A is O, NH or COO, EO is an ethylene oxide unit, PO is a propylene oxide unit, BuO is a butylene oxide unit, n is from 1 to 250 and X is a functional group which can be covalently bonded to an OH group, process for the preparation of hydrophobically modified polymers containing vinylamine or ethylenimine units by reacting polymers containing vinylamine or ethylenimine units with a water repellent of the formula I and use of the polymers thus obtainable as an additive to paperstock in papermaking.

Abstract: Disclosed are soft, high refractive index, acrylic materials. These materials, especially useful as intraocular lens materials, contain one or more aryl acrylic hydrophobic monomers as principal device-forming monomers and a tack-reducing macromer additive. In addition to their use as intraocular lens materials, the present materials are also suitable for use in other ophthalmic or otorhinolaryngological devices, such as contact lenses, keratoprostheses, corneal inlays or rings; otological ventilation tubes and nasal implants.

Abstract: The invention discloses a composition consisting essentially of an E/X/M random copolymer wherein X is from 0.1 to 20 mol % of the E/X/M copolymer and is a 4-vinylphenyl ester, preferably 4-acetoxystyrene; M is from 0 to 40 mol % of the E/X/M copolymer and is one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers; and E is ethylene. The invention further encompasses a high pressure radical polymerization process for providing the novel polymers; and a base catalyzed transesterification process for conversion of the E/X/M copolymer to an E/Y/M copolymer wherein Y is derived from 4-hydroxystyrene. Another embodiment of the invention is a composition consisting essentially of an E/Y/M random copolymer wherein Y is greater than 1.0 to about 20 mol % of the E/Y/M copolymer and is 4-hydroxystyrene; M is from 0 to 40 mol % of the E/Y/M copolymer and is one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers; and E is ethylene.

Abstract: A carpet cushion has attached thereto or thereon a layer of polymer composition comprising, consisting essentially of, consisting of, or produced from a fatty acid-modified ionomer and optionally blended or coextruded with an ethylene-containing polymer wherein the ionomer comprises, consists essentially of, consists of, or is produced from an ethylene copolymer and a fatty acid.

Abstract: A polyacrylic polymer is provided that is formed by moisture cure of multiple acrylic prepolymer segments. The prepolymer segments each have an average molecular weight of between 5000 and 400,000 grams per mole. Each of the prepolymers is a homopolymer or copolymer of a monomer from among methyl methacrylate, C1-C16 alkyl acrylate, and C1-C16 alkyl methyl methacrylate as the predominant monomeric group. The prepolymers are interconnected through moisture cure induced urea, urethane, or combinations thereof. The polymer is readily cured upon exposure to atmospheric moisture absent inclusion or evolution of a volatile organic compound. The polymer is likewise formed HAP free. Through control of prepolymer properties a variety of thermoset polymer properties are obtained. A prepolymer is formed including a minority amount of functionalized acrylic monomer that is isocyanate or converted to isocyanate through subsequent reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and coating agents used in the method which provide good adherence to and good corrosion protection of metal substrates; the coating coating agents are cross-linkable via radical polymerization. Adhesion promoting compounds are present in the conversion layer in a quantity of about 0.01 to 40 weight percent and contain, on average, one reactive unsaturated group and at least one H-active group per molecule.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to obtain a water-dispersible adhesive composition capable of coating in an aqueous system and, particularly, an adhesive composition capable of preparing a removable water-dispersible acrylic adhesive sheet with less contamination to the surface of an adherend and having high resistance to water intrusion during wafer polishing, which is particularly suitable as an adhesive sheet for use in semiconductor wafer processing. The invention relates to a water-dispersible acrylic adhesive composition, which includes an acryl emulsion polymer obtainable by an emulsion polymerization of a monomer mixture containing an alkyl (meth)acrylate ester; and a crosslinker which is a carbodiimide crosslinker or a hydrazine crosslinker, in which the acryl emulsion polymer has a glass transition temperature of from ?80 to ?20° C.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a film which comprises a poly(carboxylic acid) polymer and a polyvalent metal compound, which is endowed with excellent gas barrier property against, for example oxygen, which has such resistance that the appearance, shape, and gas-barrier properties are not impaired by neutral water, high-temperature water vapor, or hot water; a laminate produced by use of the film; and a process for producing the film or laminate industrially conveniently at low cost. The film or laminate of the present invention is suitable for use as a package, packaging container, or vacuum insulation material for articles which are apt to be deteriorated by oxygen, etc., such as foods, beverages, chemicals, medicines, and metallic precision parts; e.g., electronic parts.

Abstract: A non-aqueous absorbent comprising a crosslinked polymer which contains a structural unit having a carboxyl group and/or a sulfonate group in an amount of 20 to 100% weight in its molecule and in which from 30 to 100% by mol of the protons in the carboxyl group and/or the sulfonate group have been substituted by onium cations; a non-aqueous gel made of this non-aqueous absorbent and an organic solvent; and a non-aqueous absorbent sheet and a non-aqueous absorbent agent containing the non-aqueous absorbent.

Abstract: To realize an imide resin which is favorable in optical use. The imide resin according to the present invention includes: a repeating unit represented by General Formula (1); a repeating unit represented by General Formula (2); and a repeating unit represented by General Formula (3), wherein an orientation birefringence of the imide resin ranges from ?0.1×10?3 to 0.

Abstract: To provide moisture absorptive and desorptive ultrafine particles having high moisture absorptive and moisture desorptive properties and particularly having an excellent moisture absorptive rate and also a product using said ultrafine particles. Moisture absorptive and desorptive ultrafine particles, characterized in that, the said particles consist of a cross-linked polymer containing 1.0 to 10.0 meq/g of a salt-type carboxyl group as a polar group where an average primary particle size is not more than 0.2 ?m and saturated moisture absorptive ratios at 65% RH and 90% RH at 20° C. are not less than 20% by weight and not less than 40% by weight, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable polymer systems comprising anionic and modified polyamine polymers. When such polymer systems are employed in cleaning compositions, such cleaning compositions exhibit unexpectedly improved anti-soil re-deposition and situs whitening capabilities.

Abstract: A method for producing a (meth)acrylic polymer having crosslinkable silyl groups at the termini, comprising a step of adding a hydrosilane compound having a crosslinkable silyl group to an alkenyl-terminated (meth)acrylic polymer (A), which is prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization, in the presence of a platinum hydrosilylation catalyst. The amount of the platinum hydrosilylation catalyst is 0.1 to 10 mg on a platinum metal basis per kilogram of the alkenyl-terminated (meth)acrylic polymer (A). An object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a (meth)acrylic polymer having terminal crosslinkable silyl.

Abstract: Disclosed is a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, which has at least one polymer compound having a nitrogen-containing aromatic ring having a mercapto group represented by the formula Z-SH wherein Z represents a nitrogen-containing aromatic ring as a partial structure. This silver halide photographic light-sensitive material can stably contain silver halide grains of a high aspect ratio showing high sensitivity and superior planarity, shows superior pressure resistance and can be stably prepared.

Abstract: A process for producing an absorbing polymer structure (Pa) including the steps of obtaining a treated absorbing polymer structure (Pb) by increasing the absorption under load at a load of 0.3 or 0.9 psi (AUL) compared to an untreated absorbing polymer structure (Pu) by a first treatment of an outer region of the untreated absorbing polymer structure (Pu) and reducing the AUL compared to the treated polymer structure (Pb) by a second treatment of an outer region of the treated absorbing polymer structure (Pb). Such absorbing polymer structure (Pa) may be used in a composite and may be used in foams, moulded articles, fibers, sheets, films, cables, sealing materials, liquid-absorbing hygiene articles, carriers for plant growth-regulating and fungal growth-regulating agents, packaging materials and soil additives or building materials.

Abstract: The use of block copolymers which were prepared by polymerization of a poly(alkylene oxide) compound (A) with at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer compound (B), as dispersants for aqueous suspensions of solids, in particular based on hydraulic binders, such as, for example, cement, lime, gypsum or anhydrite, is described. Surprisingly, these block copolymers have a substantially better water-reducing power at the same dose in comparison with conventional superplasticizers based on comb polymers. Moreover, the slump loss can also be reduced in comparison with conventional superplasticizers by modification of the adhesive block.

Abstract: Macromolecules may be specially designed so that upon adsorption at a substrate, the macromolecules experience intramolecular tension at their covalent bonds due to the physical interaction of the molecular segments of the macromolecules with the substrate. As a result of the induced tension, the macromolecules may be used in a number of applications including, but not limited to, environmental and surface sensors, chemical activators and catalysts, and molecular probes.

Abstract: The present invention has its object to provide a process for producing a vinyl polymer which can provide a vinyl polymer in such form that a polymerization catalyst is effectively removed from that. The present invention relates to a process for producing a vinyl polymer wherein a vinyl polymer at the time of completion of the polymerization is treated with oxygen in the presence of a polar solvent. More preferably, the present invention relates to a process for bringing a polymer added with a polar solvent having a relative dielectric constant at 20° C. of not lower than 10 into contact with mixed gases of oxygen and an inert gas such as nitrogen with an oxygen concentration below the explosion limit oxygen concentration of this solvent as in the state of occurrence as a pure component.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a water-absorbing agent which has excellent urine resistance; a water-absorbing agent which has not only excellent urine resistance, but also excellent absorption properties that are stable to any composition of urine and show little change with time; and production processes and uses for these water-absorbing agents. The present invention water-absorbing agent exhibits a specific or larger value of absorption capacity under a load in a process in which the absorption capacity under a load is measured in a new manner using a specific liquid to be absorbed, and the present invention provides an absorbent matter and an absorbent article which display a specific or larger value of new absorption index as is, for example, led from the absorption capacity under a load or from the resin concentration using the above water-absorbing agent. The present invention further provides a production process for a water-absorbing agent having the above specific parameter.

Abstract: Method for increasing the molecular weight of polyacrylates, in which polyacrylates, functionalized at least in part of their chain ends by functional groups X, are reacted with a compound having at least functional groups Y capable of linking reactions with functional groups X.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure sensitive adhesive composition for optical members, which is excellent in durability, re-releasability and stress relaxation, as well as a pressure sensitive adhesive composition for optical members, which hardly increases adhesion after storage for a long time and does not leave a residual adhesive on glass upon disposal or repair. The pressure sensitive adhesive composition for optical members according to the present invention comprises 100 parts by weight of an acrylic polymer (A) having a weight-average molecular weight of 500,000 or more, containing at least 50 wt % alkyl (meth)acrylate having an alkyl group with 5 or more carbon atoms and 0.2 to 2 wt % unsaturated carboxylic acid as the monomer unit, 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monolithic organic copolymer prepared by copolymerization of at least one monomer of the group consisting of styrene, (C1-C3)alkylstyrene, (meth)acrylic acid and esters thereof with a crosslinker in the presence of a macroporogen and a microporogen, wherein a) the sum of said at least one monomer of the group and the crosslinker is 10-20%, preferably 10-15%, by volume of the reaction mixture, with the rest being essentially macroporogen and microporogen, and the degree of said copolymerization is at least 70%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 99%, or b) the sum of said at least one monomer of the group and the crosslinker is 30-50%, preferably 35-45%, by volume of the reaction mixture, with the rest being essentially macroporogen and microporogen, and the degree of said copolymerization is in the range of 25-60%, preferably 35-50%.

Abstract: A water absorbing agent comprising a crosslinked polymer including a water-soluble vinyl monomer (a1) and/or a vinyl monomer (a2) that is formed into the water-soluble vinyl monomer (a1) by hydrolysis, and a crosslinking agent (b) as an essential constituting unit, wherein the following formulae (1) and (2) are satisfied; a process for its production, and absorbers and absorbent articles made by the water absorbing agent. (Y)??1.14(X)+69.5 ??(1) (X)=((x1)2+4×(x2)2)1/2 ??(2) wherein (x1) denotes a water-retention amount (g/g) of the water absorbing agent after being soaked in a physiological saline for one hour; (x2) denotes an absorption amount (g/g) of the water absorbing agent after being soaked in a physiological saline under loading of 0.9 psi for one hour; and (Y) denotes a liquid permeation speed (ml/min) of a physiological saline after the water absorbing agent is soaked in a physiological saline under loading of 0.3 psi for one hour.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improvement in acrylic based adhesives that are particularly suited for use in the application of paper and plastic labels onto glass surfaces, such as in bottle labeling. The base adhesive is comprised of an emulsion polymerized acrylic copolymer having acid functionality, e.g., carboxyl or sulfonic acid functionality; wherein the emulsion polymerization is carried out in the presence of a stabilizer system comprising a polymer containing polymerized units of carboxylic acid. The improvement for enhancing the blush resistance of the adhesive resides in incorporating a long chain crosslinking polyamine or polyamide containing residual amines.

Abstract: A method for sizing a surface cross-linked water-absorbent resin removed coarse particles and fine powder is provided. Sized resin particles are obtained by classifying water-absorbent resin particles to remove an aggregates and fine powder in the particles, disintegrating the obtained aggregates and classifying the products of the disintegration to remove coarse particles and fine powder contained in the products.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer obtained by reacting an elastomeric polymer containing a cyclic acid anhydride group in its side chain and a polyamine compound having two or more primary amino groups, and a thermoplastic elastomer composition containing the thermoplastic elastomer are provided. The thermoplastic elastomer exhibits excellent physical properties such as mechanical strength and in particular tensile strength while retaining its excellent recyclability.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting scale formation in a subterranean formation comprising: (a) injecting a suspension comprising particles of a controlled release scale inhibitor suspended in an aqueous medium into a formation through an injection well wherein the particles have a mean diameter of less than 10 microns, preferably less than 5 microns, more preferably less than 1 micron; (b) allowing the suspension to percolate through the subterranean formation towards a production well; and (c) controllably releasing the scale inhibitor from the particles in the near well bore region of the production well. Suitably, the particles of the controlled release scale inhibitor comprise an esterifiable scale inhibitor cross-linked with a polyol via ester cross-links.

Abstract: A photo-curable composition comprising a polymer or copolymer and a (meth)acrylate type monomer with more than one (meth)acrylate group per monomer molecule and two or more ethyleneoxy groups per (meth)acrylate group in said monomer is particularly suitable for use as a topcoat layer for phosphor or scintillator screens or panels, when said polymer is polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel crosslinkable copolymers which are obtainable by (a) copolymerizing at least two different hydrophilic monomers selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (DMA), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), acrylic acid (AA) and a C1-C4-alkoxy polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate having a weight average molecular weight of from 200 to 1500, and at least one crosslinker comprising two or more ethylenically unsaturated double bonds in the presence of a chain transfer agent having a functional group; and (b) reacting one or more functional groups of the resulting copolymer with an organic compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group.

Abstract: Self-polymerization of mono-aziridine (or azetidine) and multi-aziridine (or azetidine) containing compounds with vinyl group containing organic acid, such as acrylic acid (AA), 2-methylenesuccinic acid, 2,3-dimethylenesuccinic acid and etc, at ambient temperature results in the new type of cross-linked and linear type copolymers, respectively. The polymerization of multi-functional aziridine (or azetidine) containing compounds with vinyl group containing organic acid results in the formation of high cross-linked polymers. The self-polymerization takes place at ambient temperature and the resultants, cross-linked polymeric networked materials, are solvent insoluble and potential for adhesive, composite matrix and other applications. These insoluble materials are hydrolyzed in an acidic or basic condition to form the water soluble ?-amino acids.

Abstract: There is provided: a production process for a water-absorbing agent having stable properties in a short time; and a water-absorbing agent. The production process comprises the step of blending an acid-group-containing water-absorbent resin powder with a noncrosslinkable water-soluble inorganic base and/or an irreducible alkaline-metal-salt pH buffer and further with a dehydratable crosslinking agent reactable with the acid group, thereby subjecting the resin powder to crosslinking treatment, or comprises the step of blending an acid-group-containing water-absorbent resin powder with the above base and/or pH buffer and further with a crosslinking agent reactable with the acid group, thereby subjecting the resin powder to crosslinking treatment, wherein the resin powder has a weight-average particle diameter of 300 to 600 ?m wherein the ratio of fine powders having particle diameters of not larger than 150 ?m in the resin powder is not more than 10 weight %.

Abstract: A structural material of a polystyrene base and the reaction product of the polystyrene base and a solid phosphate ceramic. The ceramic is applied as a slurry which includes one or more of a metal oxide or a metal hydroxide with a source of phosphate to produce a phosphate ceramic and a poly (acrylic acid or acrylate) or combinations or salts thereof and polystyrene or MgO applied to the polystyrene base and allowed to cure so that the dried aqueous slurry chemically bonds to the polystyrene base. A method is also disclosed of applying the slurry to the polystyrene base.