A process for producing expanded pellets from a thermoplastic elastomer having an elongation at break of more than 100% measured to DIN EN ISO 527-2, comprising: (a) pressing a polymer melt comprising a blowing agent through a perforated disk (18) controlled to a temperature between 150 C. and 280 C. and into a pelletizing chamber (26), (b) using a cutting device (20) to comminute the polymer melt pressed through the perforated disk (18) into individual expanding pellets, (c) discharging the pellets from the pelletizing chamber (26) using a liquid stream (36),
wherein the blowing agent comprises CO.sub.2 and/or N.sub.2 and the amount of blowing agent in the polymer melt is from 0.5 to 2.5 wt %, the pelletizing chamber (26) is traversed by a stream of liquid at a temperature between 5 C. and 90 C. and the pressure of 0.1 bar to 20 bar above ambient pressure such that the pellets are expanded in the pressurized liquid by the blowing agent, producing expanded pellets having an uninterrupted skin.

A process for producing expanded pellets from a thermoplastic elastomer having an elongation at break of more than 100% measured to DIN EN ISO 527-2, comprising: (a) pressing a polymer melt comprising a blowing agent through a perforated disk (18) controlled to a temperature between 150 C. and 280 C. and into a pelletizing chamber (26), (b) using a cutting device (20) to comminute the polymer melt pressed through the perforated disk (18) into individual expanding pellets, (c) discharging the pellets from the pelletizing chamber (26) using a liquid stream (36),
wherein the blowing agent comprises CO.sub.2 and/or N.sub.2 and the amount of blowing agent in the polymer melt is from 0.5 to 2.5 wt %, the pelletizing chamber (26) is traversed by a stream of liquid at a temperature between 5 C. and 90 C. and the pressure of 0.1 bar to 20 bar above ambient pressure such that the pellets are expanded in the pressurized liquid by the blowing agent, producing expanded pellets having an uninterrupted skin.

The crosslinked polyolefin resin foam of the present invention is a crosslinked polyolefin resin foam obtained by crosslinking and foaming a polyolefin resin composition comprising a polypropylene resin and an olefin rubber; the olefin rubber having a Mooney viscosity (ML.sub.1+4, 100 C.) of 15 to 85; the olefin rubber being contained in an amount of 10 to 150 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the polypropylene resin; the foam having a 25% compressive hardness of 30 to 70 kPa and a compressive strength ratio, 25% compressive strength/5% compressive strength, of 2.0 to 4.5. According to the present invention, a crosslinked polyolefin resin foam from which a molded product excellent in appearance can be obtained even in a secondary processing to a complicated shape without impairment of flexibility, and a molded product made from the same are provided.

A method for producing porous materials is disclosed. The porous materials can be produced by expansion of polymer gels.

A method for producing porous materials is disclosed. The porous materials can be produced by expansion of polymer gels.

Composites having a polymer or natural leather skin layer and a polyurethane foam layer are made in a molding process. The polyurethane foam layer is made from a foam formulation that includes certain polyester polyols. The presence of the polyester polyol improves flow characteristics of the foam formulation. The foam so produced has unexpectedly low quantities of VOCs.

A foam article, such as a cushioning element for an article of footwear, apparel or sporting equipment is provided that comprises a foam component, such as a midsole, having a number of beneficial physical characteristics. The cushioning element is a low-density foamed component with a surface skin that encases the remaining foam volume. The cushioning element has a number of foam volumes, arranged to achieve a more consistent foam component. Additionally, the cushioning element includes a series of concentric ridges extending radially outwardly from injection gate vestige locations, and a number of striation bands near the perimeter of the cushioning element. The location of the gate vestiges can be beneficially arranged to produce intersecting flow boundaries that are located away from key strain areas of the cushioning element. The cushioning element is more environmentally-friendly, requiring less energy to produce while still providing acceptable energy return and low density.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to composite materials for use as a vehicle arresting system (also referred to as an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS). Specific embodiments may use modified polymeric foams composites. The polymeric foams may include additives, coatings, combinations of both, or other features than render them useful for an EMAS. The polymeric foams may also have one or more modified surfaces that provide a protective crust. For example, the one or more surface may be modified by application of heat in order to help close the polymeric foam cells and/or to create an encapsulative surface. These features can provide enhanced weather resistance, fire resistance, moisture absorption, jet blast resistance, improve their energy absorbing properties, or other desired features.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to composite materials for use as a vehicle arresting system (also referred to as an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS). Specific embodiments may use modified polymeric foams composites. The polymeric foams may include additives, coatings, combinations of both, or other features than render them useful for an EMAS. The polymeric foams may also have one or more modified surfaces that provide a protective crust. For example, the one or more surface may be modified by application of heat in order to help close the polymeric foam cells and/or to create an encapsulative surface. These features can provide enhanced weather resistance, fire resistance, moisture absorption, jet blast resistance, improve their energy absorbing properties, or other desired features.

The invention is directed to a foamed injection moulded article comprising a foam composition obtained by foaming high density polyethylene having a quotient of melt strength and apparent viscosity >2 cN/k.Math.Pa.Math.s wherein the melt strength is determined as described in ISO 16790:2005 and the apparent viscosity is determined as described in ISO 11443:2014.