There is provided herein thermoset porous polymer composites a methods for producing such composites. The method comprises: preparing a mixture comprising a resin, optionally a curing agent, and dry ice; optionally casting the mixture; curing the mixture to obtain the porous composite; and optionally controlling at least one of a reaction rate and an expansion rate of the mixture during the curing.

There is provided herein thermoset porous polymer composites a methods for producing such composites. The method comprises: preparing a mixture comprising a resin, optionally a curing agent, and dry ice; optionally casting the mixture; curing the mixture to obtain the porous composite; and optionally controlling at least one of a reaction rate and an expansion rate of the mixture during the curing.

A method of forming a skin-foam-substrate type structure particular suitable as an automobile trim component. The method comprises supplying a polymer resin containing a chemical foaming agent and including metal particles capable of inductive heating, that is positioned between a polymeric skin and substrate, followed by inductive heating to cause foaming of the polymeric resin. The foamed polymer resin adheres to the skin and substrate.

A method of forming a skin-foam-substrate type structure particular suitable as an automobile trim component. The method comprises supplying a polymer resin containing a chemical foaming agent and including metal particles capable of inductive heating, that is positioned between a polymeric skin and substrate, followed by inductive heating to cause foaming of the polymeric resin. The foamed polymer resin adheres to the skin and substrate.

A system including an injector, a press, and a robotic conveyance is used to form a physically foamed article of footwear component from a single-phase solution of a polymeric composition and a supercritical fluid. The parameters and features of the system are configured for the formation of the footwear component in an automated manner with enhanced throughput by the system.

A foam molded article includes a main agent resin, a filler of greater than or equal to 15% by mass and less than or equal to 80% by mass, and a foaming agent of greater than or equal to 0.01% by mass and less than or equal to 10% by mass, and a foaming ratio caused by the foaming agent is greater than or equal to 1.1 times.

A foam molded article includes a main agent resin, a filler of greater than or equal to 15% by mass and less than or equal to 80% by mass, and a foaming agent of greater than or equal to 0.01% by mass and less than or equal to 10% by mass, and a foaming ratio caused by the foaming agent is greater than or equal to 1.1 times.

A thermoformable and biodegradable cellulose acetate composition comprising at least one cellulose acetate and either polyethylene glycol or m ethoxy polyethylene glycol are disclosed. The compositions are formed into films, sheets, and articles.

A thermoformable and biodegradable cellulose acetate composition comprising at least one cellulose acetate and either polyethylene glycol or m ethoxy polyethylene glycol are disclosed. The compositions are formed into films, sheets, and articles.

Disclosed, among other things, are ways to manufacture reduced density thermoplastics using rapid solid-state foaming and machines useful for the saturation of plastic. In one embodiment, a foaming process may involve saturating a semi-crystalline polymer such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) with high levels of gas, and then heating, which may produce a reduced density plastic having high levels of crystallinity. In another embodiment, a foaming process may produce layered structures in reduced density plastics with or without integral skins. In another embodiment, a foaming process may produce deep draw structures in reduced density plastics with or without integral skins. In yet another embodiment, a foaming process may utilize additives, blends, or fillers, for example. In yet another embodiment, a foaming process may involve saturating a semi-crystalline polymer such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) with high levels of gas, and then heating, which may produce a reduced density plastic having high levels of crystallinity.