Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition comprises a thermoplastic polymer and a nucleating agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of water-absorbent, foam-type polymer structures, wherein an aqueous composition is foamed, and the foamed aqueous composition is then heated at a temperature in a range of from 50 to 300° C., so that the polymer crosslinks at least partially and the content of water is adjusted to not more than 15 wt. %, based on the total weight of the foam-type polymer structure that forms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxial oriented film with a microporous layer, comprising a propylene polymer and at least one ?-nucleating agent the microporosity of which is generated by conversion of ?-crystalline polypropylene on drawing the film and the use thereof for the labelling of containers in blow moulding. The Gurley value for the film is 10,000 to 300,000 Gurley.

Abstract: A porous film having excellent moisture permeability, flexibility and exudation resistance, as well as a manufacturing method capable of forming and stretching at high speed a porous film having the characteristics described above, the porous film being molded from a composition containing 25 to 55% by weight of polyolefinic resin and 75 to 45% by weight of an inorganic filler in which the polyolefinic resin contains 98 to 70% by weight of linear low density polyethylene and 2 to 30% by weight of branched low density polyethylene, and 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of liquid ethylene-?-olefin oligomer based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

Abstract: A method of controlling the nucleation of cells in a polymeric foam material includes blending a matrix material with a second phase material which provides sites for bubble nucleation. The selection of the second phase material controls the size and density of the cells.

Abstract: An improved polystyrene foam having less corrugation is disclosed which uses carbon dioxide as the blowing agent and 1-30 weight percent endothermic agent, such as water, with the weight based on the total carbon dioxide blowing agent and endothermic agent weight. This combination of carbon dioxide and endothermic agent decreases the corrugation of the thermoplastic foam, while just slightly increasing density, when the process parameters, including throughput, are equivalent to using only carbon dioxide. The process an also allow an increased foaming temperature and greater process throughput of an equivalent density thermoplastic foam at approximately equivalent corrugation levels when compared to the use of only using only carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing a synthetic resin foam composed of cells having substantially two sizes, one of the sizes being at most 0.3 mm and the other size as being 0.4 to 1 mm, comprising the steps of:forming a mixture of one or more of a water-absorbent high molecular compound, a cell-controlling agent, a synthetic resin, and water; melting the mixture with heating; incorporating a volatile type foaming agent into the mixture under pressure; and extruding the mixture into a lower pressure space to form a foam.

Abstract: A process for producing structural aromatic polycarbonate thermoplastic foam is provided which involves gas expansion of a melted aromatic polycarbonate thermoplastic resin composition containing an amount of a polytetrafluoroethylene nucleating agent. The thermoplastic resin compositions provided exhibit an improved uniformity of cell structure in the resultant structural thermoplastic foam as a result of the incorporation of the polytetrafluoroethylene nucleating agent. The process and compositions are useful in the production of structural thermoplastic foam articles.

Abstract: A process for preparing a cellular polymer containing perforated cell windows in the presence of a perforating agent being a substance that has a critical surface free energy of less than about 23 mJ/m.sup.2 is disclosed. The cellular polymers obtained according to this invention have a fine cell structure and show enhanced dimensional and thermal insulation stability. The invention also relates to rigid polyurethane foam prepared in the presence of, for example, particulate poly(tetrafluoroethylene) or a liquid polyfluoro- or perfluorocarbon, with a boiling point of at least 130.degree. C., as perforating agent.

Abstract: A moisture-curing hot-melt polyurethane adhesive foam comprising isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers based on polyester or polyether and having a melting point of 40.degree. to 60.degree. C. or a glass transition point above room temperature, melted together, optionally with a nucleating agent and/or a surfactant, treated with an inert gas under pressure and released in ambient pressure is allowed to cure as a foam whereby a cure rate is achieved of at least ten times that of the composition when not foamed; extremely rapid cure rates are achieved and thick bond lines are readily obtained.

Abstract: A process for preparing a cellular polymer containing perforated cell windows in the presence of a perforating agent being a substance that has a critical surface free energy of less than about 23 mJ/m.sup.2 is disclosed. The cellular polymers obtained according to this invention have a fine cell structure and show enhanced dimensional and thermal insulation stability. The invention also relates to rigid polyurethane foam prepared in the presence of, for example, particulate poly(tetrafluoroethylene) or a liquid polyfluoro- or perfluorocarbon, with a boiling point of at least 130.degree. C., as perforating agent.

Abstract: A method of preparing polyurethane packaging foam for dispensing into a container in which an article is present to be packaged for shipping, wherein the temperature of the polyurethane foam being dispensed into the container is reduced, as is the maximum reaction exotherm temperature. The method involves reacting polymeric isocyanate and polyoxyalkylated polyol precursors in the presence of water as the blowing agent for the foam. A nucleating agent is present in at least one of the precursors and is present in an amount sufficient to reduce the dispensing temperature of the foam reaction product but also the exotherm as the reaction continues to completion. Incorporation of a nucleating agent into the isocyanate and polyol resin components results in a carbon dioxide blown polyurethane packaging foam preferably having a density of 0.2 lb./ft..sup.3 to 2.0 lb./ft..sup.3.

Abstract: Polymer compositions for molding in the presence of a foaming agent which comprise at least a polyolefin resin as a base resin and low polarity boron compound powder which is not decomposed at a foaming temperature, such as boron nitride powder as a nucleator. Polymer compositions of the invention are useful for formation of a foamed insulating layer on a conductive material by way of foam molding. By using said polymer composition, a foamed insulating layer excellent in insulation properties which has small dielectric loss factor, tan .delta., at high frequency and high extent of foaming of not less than 70% can be obtained.

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: Disclosed is a foamed polymeric material comprising a continuous phase of polyurethane having solid polyvinyl chloride particles dispersed therein. The material preferably comprises about 100 parts of a foamable urethane, and 10 to 50 parts polyvinyl chloride particles having a particle size below 200 microns. The material has a microcellular structure with cells preferably on the order of 0.1 mm in average diameter or less. The walls comprise a matrix of polyurethane reinforced with PVC particles. The material may be used as a wood substitute.

Abstract: An extruded synthetic resin foam comprises a cell structure of substantially two different cell sizes, the smaller size being not more than about 0.25 mm while the other size is from about 0.4 to about 1 mm. The cells are dispersed in an island in the sea manner. A foam such as a styrenic foam is produced by forming a mixture of synthetic resin, a fine mineral powder having hydroxyl groups, and a cell controlling agent, incorporating a volatile foaming agent and extruding the mixture to form a foam. The powder has a particle size of not more than 1000 nm and may be a silica having silanol groups.

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: 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: 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: An extruded synthetic resin foam comprises a cell structure of substantially two different cell sizes, the smaller size being not more than about 0.25 mm while the other size is from about 0.4 to about 1 mm. The cells are dispersed in an island in the sea manner. A foam such as a styrenic foam is produced by forming a mixture of synthetic resin, a fine mineral powder having hydroxyl groups, and a cell controlling agent, incorporating a volatile foaming agent and extruding the mixture to form a foam. The powder has a particle size of not more than 100 nm and may be a silica having silanol groups.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of preparing closed cell foams using 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobutane as a blowing agent and insulating gas in the production of such foams, including isocyanate-based foams such as polyurethane foams and polyisocyanurate foams.

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: 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: 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: 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 invention relates to base polyolefin compositions, and concentrates thereof adapted to be let down or diluted by addition of further polyolefin, flameproofed by incorporation therein of an organohalo flame-retardant and a metal oxide or sulfide synergist, are rendered resistant to exudation by incorporating therein the combination of an epoxy resin, an elastomeric resin, and a nucleating agent, the epoxy resin being present in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 10 percent, the elastomeric resin being present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 20 percent, and the nucleating agent being present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 percent and non-fogging molded products obtained thereby.

Abstract: Disclosed are rigid materials such as sheets, boards or tubes made of expanded polypropylene, which have a uniform specific gravity d of from about 4.1.times.10.sup.-6 to about 8.1.times.10.sup.-6 Newton/mm.sup.3, a crystallization temperature of from about 115.degree. C. to about 135.degree. C. and a flexural modulus Mf expressed in Newton/mm.sup.3 such that the ratio Mf:d is from about 1.5.times.10.sup.8 to about 1.7.times.10.sup.8 mm.

Abstract: Disclosed are films made of expanded polypropylene, which have a uniform specific gravity d of from about 4.25.times.10.sup.-6 to about 6.50.times.10.sup.-6 Newton/mm.sup.3, a crystallization temperature of from about 115.degree. C. to about 135.degree. C. and an elastic modulus Me expressed in Newton/mm.sup.3 such that the ratio Me:d is from about 1.6.times.10.sup.8 to about 2.0.times.10.sup.8 mm.

Abstract: A foamable thermoplastic composition comprising in admixture (a) a polycarbonate resin, alone, or with (b) a polyester resin, (c) a minor amount of a foaming agent and (d) a minor amount of a non-fibrous particulate agent comprising an organic polymeric material to nucleate the foam. The composition also contains a surface active agent compound, such as a silicone, a polyglycol ether, a fatty acid derivative or a mixture thereof, to enhance particulate dispersion and to reduce the surface tension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of foams containing urethane groups by reacting polyether polyols with polyisocyanates in the presence of water and in the presence of an alkaline catalyst, a compound containing a labile halogen atom and, optionally, a tertiary nitrogen containing chain extender.The present invention also relates to the foams obtainable by this process.

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

Abstract: When producing molded foam parts from liquid reaction components, the charge of gas in the initial components has a significant effect on the foam structure and quality of the molded part. This invention provides a process and apparatus for introducing a gas into at least one of the liquid reaction components prior to mixing said components for reaction. The component which is to be charged with gas is circulated from a feed tank through a recycle circuit to a compression zone which is maintained at a higher pressure than that of the feed tank. Said gas is admixed with said component at the point of initiation of the compression zone and the higher pressure is relieved through a throttle element prior to returning the gas-charged component to the feed tank. A finely divided stable gas dispersion which can be mixed with other components for reaction is obtained.

Abstract: A cellular thermoset polymer comprised of polymerized units of dicyclopentadiene monomer, wherein the cells of said cellular polymer are small and uniform.

Abstract: A plastic tray for packaging food products is disclosed. The tray has a preferred composition of about 85 percent polypropylene, 15 percent impact modifier or copolymer, 1 percent nucleating agent, and 1 percent density reduction agents.A method of manufacturing a plastic tray of packaging food products is disclosed. The method includes the steps of mixing the polypropylene, impact modifier, nucleating agent and density reduction agents together, heating the mixture at 450.degree. F. to 550.degree. F. under a pressure of about 300 p.s.i., injecting the heated mixture into a mold, and cooling the mixture.

Abstract: A crosslinked foam having an expansion ratio of 25 to 60 which comprises a composition containing 100 parts by weight of a resin component consisting of an ethylenevinyl acetate copolymer or a mixture thereof with a thermoplastic resin and 50 to 500 parts by weight of an inorganic powder material.

Abstract: Fine-celled foams are produced by a process in which a styrene polymer is melted, the melt is mixed with a volatile blowing agent and a nucleating agent under superatmospheric pressure, the mixture is let down to atmospheric pressure, and the foam is cooled. The nucleating agent employed comprises from 0.02 to 2% by weight of the calcium salt of a long-chain fatty acid, and from 0.01 to 1% by weight of a finely divided, inorganic substance which is insoluble in the styrene polymer, a mixture of calcium stearate and magnesium oxide being preferred.

Abstract: A low density foam product is formed from a chlorinated polyvinyl chloride polymer (CPVC) composition containing a primary blowing agent and a nucleating system comprised of an alkali metal borohydride and a proton donor activator.

Abstract: A foam composition comprising an ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, a blowing agent and a nucleating agent. The nucleating agent is the carbonate or oxide of a metal cation from the group of metals consisting of magnesium, calcium, barium, zinc and lead. The invention also is a method of making the above foam copolymer composition.

Abstract: A low density foam product is formed from a chlorinated polyvinyl chloride polymer (CPVC) composition containing a primary blowing agent and a nucleating system comprised of an alkali metal borohydride and a proton donor activator.

Abstract: Foams of polypropylene resin composition having remarkably improved extrusion foaming characteristics are prepared by a non-crosslinking extrusion foaming process comprising mixing and kneading polypropylene resin and 1,2-polybutadiene resin so that 1,2-polybutadiene resin reacts under the influence of the heat and shearing stress in the extruder, and extruding thereafter.

Abstract: A process for the production of foamed films of polyethylene or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers using metal salts of aliphatic fatty acids as additives.

Abstract: Foamed hot melt adhesives are made and employed by methods which offer significant advantages and economies. The method employs surfactant stabilizers in making hot melt adhesive foams which are very useful in bonding substrates with efficiency and superior bond strengths. Continuous and reliable foaming operations are achieved with a uniform quality and output of foamed materials. Hot melt adhesives are also capable of being foamed with relatively simple mechanical apparatus and under conditions which provide considerable savings of energy. The number of hot melts which can be foamed employing the present technique in a controlled manner is unlimited. The method of stabilization is conducted at low or ambient pressures and resulting stabilized hot melt adhesive gas dispersions may then be pumped with pressurization and dispensed with immediate foaming.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for expanding thermoplastic polymer compositions, notably those containing polymers having processing temperatures in excess of 200.degree. C. and/or containing an ingredient which is susceptible to ammonia, characterized in that as the blowing agent certain carbonates (notably zinc carbonate) are used. Preferably a nucleating agent and a weak acid are present to aid cell formation.The invention also includes expandable polymer compositions and blowing agent formulations containing the carbonates.

Abstract: An electrical insulation foamed plastic is produced using sulfur hexafluoride adsorbed on molecular sieves as the foaming agent and a low shear mixing technique.

Abstract: Foamed thermoplastic materials such as coatings, adhesives and structural bodies are made by a method which offers significant advantages and economies. The method involves the steps of stabilizing a dispersion of gas in a molten thermoplastic material by adding a surfactant to the molten material in a sufficient stabilizing amount and subsequently pressurizing the stabilized dispersion to form a hot solution. Thereafter, the hot solution is dispensed under lower pressure whereby the gas is released from solution to form a foamed material. The method is especially advantageous in making hot melt thermoplastic adhesives which are very useful in bonding substrates with efficiency and superior bond strengths. Continuous and reliable foaming operations are achieved with a uniform quality and output of foamed materials. Thermoplastic materials are also capable of being foamed with relatively simple mechanical apparatus and under conditions which provide considerable savings of energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for working additives into polymers, in which a mixture of thermoplastics with additives is heated to a temperature sufficient for the melting process, with the possible introduction of an expanding agent into the melt in which the expanding agent is homogenized, the melt being cooled if necessary to a temperature at which it can be extruded in the form of a foam plastic, the additives being adsorbed on a polymer flocculent matrix having a sufficient specific area, due to having a density of up to 0.6 g/cm.sup.3 and 15 to 99% of open foam cells and being of the same or different polymer composition as the basic polymer.

Abstract: Cellular structure of blown structural polyphenylene oxide resins is regulated by incorporation of certain acrylamide polymers in the molding compositions thereof. The cell regulating acrylamide polymers may be homopolymers or co-polymers of acrylamide, or of substituted acrylamides or interpolymers of such acrylamide compounds with compounds containing a vinyl group.

Abstract: Foamed articles are made by causing the cross-linking of a thermosetting in, preferably a polyester resin, concurrently with the production of carbon dioxide by the reaction of a carbonate with an inorganic acid. The carbonate is mixed with the resin and the acid then folded in in a progressively accelerated blending operation, whereupon carbon dioxide is generated to foam the resin, the carbonate, acid and setting time of the resin being selected to obtain an appropriate match between the progress of the foaming operation and the setting of the foam. The foam may be made in a mold coated with resin impregnated glass fibers, the impregnating resin becoming cross-linked with the foam. The impregnating resin may also be cross-linked with a resin gel coat, the glass fibers forming a tough layer between the gel coat and the foam.

Abstract: A method of producing a low density polyethylene foam by extruding a melt blend containing polyethylene, an ionomer, a nucleating system and two expanding agents having substantially different vapor pressures and solubility in the melt blend.