A thermoplastic elastomer compound includes hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer having a polyisoprene soft block, styrene-isobutylene-styrene block copolymer, tackifier having a softening point of at least about 80 C according to ASTM 6493, and, optionally, one or more additional thermoplastic elastomers. The compound has a Compound Tan Delta Peak Temperature (at 10 Hz) of at least 10 C and a Compound Tan Delta Peak Height (at 10 Hz) of at least 0.85 if no thermoplastic polyurethane is present and at least 0.60 if additional thermoplastic elastomer is present and includes thermoplastic polyurethane. The thermoplastic elastomer compound exhibits superior damping properties across a broad range of temperatures, including at or above room temperature, and across a broad range of vibrational frequencies. The compound in sheet form can be used as a layer in an article of a structure susceptible to forceful impact of any item. Specific gravity can be lowered by use of a foaming agent or a blowing agent with increasing capability of absorbing G-force shock.

A foamed sheet including: a polylactic acid; and a filler, wherein the foamed sheet has a compressive stress of 0.2 Mpa or less when the cushioning coefficient of the foamed sheet is 10 or less; and wherein the foamed sheet has a puncture strength of 2 N or more when the sheet thickness of the foamed sheet is 2 mm.

A process to form a polypropylene composition comprising combining at a temperature within a range from 190 C. to 320 C. a polypropylene resin and within the range from 0.01 wt % to 3 wt % of at least one organic peroxide, by weight of the polypropylene composition and within a range from 100 to 4000 ppm each of phosphorous- and hindered phenol antioxidants; the polypropylene resin comprising at least 50 mol % propylene, and having a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) greater than 6, a branching index (g) of at least 0.97, and a melt strength greater than 10 cN determined using an extensional rheometer at 190 C. The resulting polypropylene composition comprises at least 50 mol % propylene and has a peak extensional viscosity of greater than 500 kPa.Math.s at a strain rate of 0.01 sec.sup.1 (190 C.) and a melt strength of at least 40 determined using an extensional rheometer at 190.

The present disclosure relates to TPV compositions suitable for foaming, as well as foamed TPV compositions, methods of making the foregoing, and applications of various foamed TPV compositions. The TPV compositions comprise an at least partially vulcanized rubber component dispersed within a thermoplastic component comprising a thermoplastic resin and a propylene-based elastomer, oil, and optionally one or more additives. According to some aspects, the TPV composition may be made in part by preloading some portion of process oil prior to addition of the curative. TPV compositions provided herein are particularly suitable for foaming with thermo-expandable microsphere foaming agents.

A method produces porous materials by expansion of polymer gels. The porous materials can be a micro- or nano-porous polymer materials.

The invention relates to an extrusion process for the production of expandable vinyl aromatic polymer granulate comprising mixing first and second additives with first and second polymer components, respectively, in dedicated mixers.

A polyethylene terephthalate composite material containing glass fiber and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The polyethylene terephthalate composite material includes 40 to 65.5 parts by weight of polyethylene terephthalate, 5 to 40 parts by weight of the glass fiber, and 0.15 to 2.5 parts by weight of a crystallizing agent. The crystallizing agent includes an inorganic crystallizing agent and an organic crystallizing agent, and an added amount of the inorganic crystallizing agent is less than an added amount of the organic crystallizing agent.

The present invention provides a modified formula to make a hydrophilic foam. In some embodiments this modified formula adds a filler which causes the foam to become less absorptive, which has the benefit of making available to the skin more makeup or other products, while also providing a superior esthetic application of makeup on the skin. In other embodiments the modified formula makes the hydrophilic foam easier to clean and reduces the staining propensity of the foam. In other embodiments the modified formula uses an additive to the properties or usability of the foam in some way. Providing the filler and additive can be done in combination or separately depending on the desired benefits or properties of the foam. In some embodiments the foam is fashioned into shape suitable for makeup application.

The present invention relates to self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions and methods of making and using the same. Self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions are formed by admixing a dispersion concentrate including a chemical blowing agent and a compatible carrier (liquid or molten) with a molten base hot melt adhesive composition at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent. The resolidified material is processed through a device that heats the material above the decomposition temperature of the chemical agent and cools it below such temperature before being dispensed. The device preferably includes sensors and a controller configured to prevent the material from accumulating an adverse thermal history during processing.

A method of manufacturing a flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlling for an effective pore size using removable pore-forming substances and physically incorporated, non-leaching antimicrobials. A flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlled for an effective pore size composited physically incorporated, high-surface area, non-leaching antimicrobials, optionally in which the physically incorporated non-leaching antimicrobial exposes nanopillars on its surface to enhance antimicrobial activity. A kit that enhances the effectiveness of the intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite by storing the composite within an antimicrobial container.