A method for producing low density polyester foam utilizing low I.V. polyester feedstock includes providing a low intrinsic viscosity raw material. The low intrinsic viscosity raw material includes between 25% to 100% of a post consumer polyester and has an intrinsic viscosity of less than 0.8 dl/g. The intrinsic viscosity of the low intrinsic viscosity raw material is increased via a de-condensation reaction configured to support foaming. The intrinsic viscosity of the low intrinsic viscosity raw material is increased to 1.1 dl/g or greater. A starting formulation is created including the low intrinsic viscosity raw material with the increased intrinsic viscosity. The starting formulation is foamed to create the polyester foam. Wherein, the polyester foam produced has a specific gravity of less than 0.65 g/cc.

A method for producing low density polyester foam utilizing low I.V. polyester feedstock includes providing a low intrinsic viscosity raw material. The low intrinsic viscosity raw material includes between 25% to 100% of a post consumer polyester and has an intrinsic viscosity of less than 0.8 dl/g. The intrinsic viscosity of the low intrinsic viscosity raw material is increased via a de-condensation reaction configured to support foaming. The intrinsic viscosity of the low intrinsic viscosity raw material is increased to 1.1 dl/g or greater. A starting formulation is created including the low intrinsic viscosity raw material with the increased intrinsic viscosity. The starting formulation is foamed to create the polyester foam. Wherein, the polyester foam produced has a specific gravity of less than 0.65 g/cc.

The invention relates an extrusion device (100) for extruding a semi¬finished product made of elastomeric material, comprising an extrusion body (10) extending along a feeding direction (A) and a pump (20) arranged downstream of the extrusion body (10) along said feeding direction (A). The extrusion body (10) comprises a hopper (30) for loading an elastomeric material and an extrusion screw (50) extending along said feeding direction (A) and having an inlet portion (50a) arranged close to the hopper (30) and an exit portion (50b) arranged close to the pump (20). The extrusion body (10) also comprises a motorised roller (40) arranged at the inlet portion (50a) of the extrusion screw (50) and configured to receive the elastomeric material from the hopper (30) and feed it to the extrusion screw (30). The extrusion screw (50) has a length and a diameter such that the ratio between length and diameter is comprised between 4 mm and 8 mm. The invention also relates to an extrusion process carried out through the aforementioned extrusion device (100).

The invention relates an extrusion device (100) for extruding a semi¬finished product made of elastomeric material, comprising an extrusion body (10) extending along a feeding direction (A) and a pump (20) arranged downstream of the extrusion body (10) along said feeding direction (A). The extrusion body (10) comprises a hopper (30) for loading an elastomeric material and an extrusion screw (50) extending along said feeding direction (A) and having an inlet portion (50a) arranged close to the hopper (30) and an exit portion (50b) arranged close to the pump (20). The extrusion body (10) also comprises a motorised roller (40) arranged at the inlet portion (50a) of the extrusion screw (50) and configured to receive the elastomeric material from the hopper (30) and feed it to the extrusion screw (30). The extrusion screw (50) has a length and a diameter such that the ratio between length and diameter is comprised between 4 mm and 8 mm. The invention also relates to an extrusion process carried out through the aforementioned extrusion device (100).

Membranes and methods of making and using the membranes are described herein. The membranes can include a foamed polymeric support and a plurality of inorganic particles disposed within the foamed polymeric support. The foamed polymeric support can contain a hydrophilic polymer such as polyethersulfone. The plurality of inorganic particles can include hydrophilic particles such as zeolite particles. In certain embodiments, the membrane can be used in humidifiers, such as those used in fuel cell systems. In some aspects, the membrane can be used for separating a fluid mixture comprising water. The membranes described herein are stable for high temperature applications.

Membranes and methods of making and using the membranes are described herein. The membranes can include a foamed polymeric support and a plurality of inorganic particles disposed within the foamed polymeric support. The foamed polymeric support can contain a hydrophilic polymer such as polyethersulfone. The plurality of inorganic particles can include hydrophilic particles such as zeolite particles. In certain embodiments, the membrane can be used in humidifiers, such as those used in fuel cell systems. In some aspects, the membrane can be used for separating a fluid mixture comprising water. The membranes described herein are stable for high temperature applications.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods, devices, and compositions for 3D printing of piezoelectric devices. The piezoelectric devices can be used for sensor applications using poly(vinylidene) fluoride (PVDF) and BaTiO.sub.3 (BTO) nanocomposites through in-situ electric poling 3D printing process.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods, devices, and compositions for 3D printing of piezoelectric devices. The piezoelectric devices can be used for sensor applications using poly(vinylidene) fluoride (PVDF) and BaTiO.sub.3 (BTO) nanocomposites through in-situ electric poling 3D printing process.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a foam molding resin containing LDPE capable of enhancing foaming magnification. According to the present invention, there is provided a foam molding resin containing low-density polyethylene, wherein the low-density polyethylene has a melt tension of 100 to 250 mN and a shear viscosity of 350 to 450 Pa.Math.s.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a foam molding resin containing LDPE capable of enhancing foaming magnification. According to the present invention, there is provided a foam molding resin containing low-density polyethylene, wherein the low-density polyethylene has a melt tension of 100 to 250 mN and a shear viscosity of 350 to 450 Pa.Math.s.