Abstract:
A modified cellular particle is provided for molding cellular articles and comprises a partially foamed thermoplastic resin containing excess foaming agent which decomposes upon heating to generate a gas. The cellular particle has a mean specific gravity of 95 - 10 percent of the specific gravity of the resin composition, the polymer is cross-linked to a gel content of 20 90 percent and the particle has substantially no surface pores. The particles have a mean volume of 0.01 - 2 cc.
Abstract:
AN IMPROVED PROCESS IS PROVIDED FOR THE PREPARATION OF POLYLACTAM FOAMS IN WHICH E-CAPROLACTAM OR A MIXTURE OF LACTAMS CONTAINING MORE THAN 50 MOL PERCENT OF E-CAPROLACTAM IS ANIONICALLY POLYMERIZED IN THE PRESENCE OF AN ALKALI CATALYST, A BLOWING AGEN AND A PROMOTER AT A TEMPERATURE OF ABOUT 100-180*C. THE IMPROVED PROCESS IS PARTICULARLY CHARACTERIZED BY THE USE OF A PROMOTER WHICH WHEN ADDED TO A MIXTURE OF LACTAM AND ALKALI CATALYSTS CAUSES THE MIXTURE TO SOLIDIFY DUE TO CRYSTALLIZATION WITHIN 3 MINUTES AND TO PRODUCE A POLYLACTAM HAVING A RELATIVE VISCOSITY OF AT LEAST 3 WHEN A CONVERSION REACHES EQUILIBRIUM. THE POLYLACTAM FOAMS OF THIS INVENTION EXHIBIT IMPROVED MECHANICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES IN COMPARISON WITH THE POLYLACTAM FOAMS OF THE PRIOR ART WHICH MAKE THEM ESPECIALLY USEFUL FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF LOW DENSITY ARTICLES REQUIRING RELATIVELY HIGH STRENGTH AND CHEMICAL RESISTANCE.
Abstract:
A POLYAMIDE RESIN FOAM COMPRISING A POLYAMIDE RESIN BASE CROSS-LINKED WITH AN ORGANIC COMPOUND HAVING IN THE MOLECULE AT LEAST TWO REACTIVE UNSATURATED DOUBLE BONDS. A METHOD OF PREPARING A POLYAMIDE RESIN FOAM WHICH COMPRISES UNIFORMLY MIXING A POLYAMIDE WITH AN ORGANIC COMPOUND HAVING IN THE MOLECULE AT LEAST TWO REACTIVE UNSATURATED DOUBLE BONDS AND A CHEMICAL FOAMING AGENT AT A TEMPERATURE HIGHER THAN THE SOFTENING POINT OF SAID POLYAMIDE, IRRADIATING SAID MIXTURE WITH IONZING RAYS TO EFFECT A CROSS-LINKING OF THE POLYAMIDE, AND HEATING THE MIXTURE TO A TEMPERATURE HIGHER THAN THE DECOMPOSITION TEMPERATURE OF SAID FOAMING AGENT TO CAUSE FOAMING.