A modified expanded bead that includes an expanded bead which includes a specific base polymer (β) and a coating layer which includes a specific base polymer (α). The coating layer covers at least part of an outer surface of the expanded bead. The melting point Tα of the base polymer (α) and the melting point Tβ of the base polymer (β) satisfy a relationship of 0≤Tα−Tβ≤20. When the modified expanded bead is cut into two halves along a cutting plane to form two half portions and thereafter one of the two half portions is cut along planes perpendicular to the cutting plane to form ten small pieces, outermost pieces among the ten small pieces have a xylene-insoluble content (B) which is less than a xylene-insoluble content (A) in the half portion and the xylene-insoluble content (A) is 10-80% by mass.

Provided is a shoe sole member including a crosslinked foam forming a part or the whole of the shoe sole member, wherein the crosslinked foam is formed by a polymer composition showing specific results in measurement using pulsed NMR.

A fully impregnated fiber-reinforced thermoplastic granule includes a fiber core impregnated with a thermoplastic resin and coated with the resin and subsequently polymerized to form a thermoplastic. The granule is formed in a continuous process including a continuous fiber strand being coated and impregnated with a thermoplastic resin, curing the thermoplastic resin, and cutting the fiber and thermoplastic into granules of a desired length. The continuous process results in a uniform, fully impregnated fiber core in the granule which results in a longer reinforcing fiber for added strength in subsequently produced products formed from the granules.

The present invention relates to expanded thermoplastic polyurethane beads, a preparation method for same, and an application thereof. The expanded thermoplastic polyurethane beads consists of components of the following parts by weight: 100 parts of a thermoplastic polyurethane, 1-10 parts of a cell size stabilizer, and 1-35 parts of a melt viscosity modifier. The preparation method for the expanded thermoplastic polyurethane beads is also disclosed. The bead is produced by employing a volatile blowing agent to immerse the thermoplastic polyurethane, comprising the pore size stabilizer and the melt viscosity modifier, in an aqueous suspension, and is then followed by the foaming process. Utilization of the expanded thermoplastic polyurethane beads of the present invention allows for preparation of a foam product. The expanded thermoplastic polyurethane beads prepared per the present invention has uniform cell sizes and a high product yield. At the same time, the expanded thermoplastic polyurethane bead provides a great sintering performance even at a relatively low vapor pressure, a molded foam product has a small deformation, a low dimensional shrinkage ratio relative to a mold, great dimensional stability, and an aesthetically appealing appearance.

Provided is a shoe sole member partially or entirely formed by a crosslinked foam, wherein the crosslinked foam shows specific results of pulsed NMR measurement.

Fabrication of ballistic resistant fibrous composites having improved ballistic resistance properties. More particularly, ballistic resistant fibrous composites having enhanced flexural properties, which correlates to low composite backface signature. The composites are useful for the production of hard armor articles, including helmet armor.

Foamed articles including a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric material, methods of making the foamed articles, and methods for manufacturing articles of footwear, apparel, and athletic equipment incorporating such foamed articles are provided. In one aspect, a method for making a foamed article comprises placing an article comprising a foamable material and carbon dioxide in a vessel, maintaining the vessel at a first pressure and first temperature at which the carbon dioxide is a liquid and carbon dioxide is soluble in the foamable material, optionally exposing the infused article to a second temperature and second pressure, and subjecting the article to a third pressure and third temperature at which the infused carbon dioxide phase transitions to a gas, thereby expanding the foamable material into a foamed material and forming the foamed article.

A high-voltage electrical insulator formed from a modified thermoplastic insulation composition that include a thermoplastic polymer. The modified thermoplastic insulation composition undergoes radiation exposure to develop a cross-linked thermoset skin layer. The predominately thermoplastic insulation material allows for the insulator to be recyclable while the radiation-hardened skin layer improves the weatherability, durability and electrical resistivity of the exterior surface to provide a more durable and longer lasting electrical insulator.

A process is provided for overmolding an insert or substrate with non-oriented thermoplastic fibers present in an amount that allows them to thermally bond in the presence of non-oriented filler fibers. The thermoplastic fiber fusion retains the filler fibers within the insert upon cooling. The filler fibers are selected to modify the properties of the insert and an overmolded article formed with the insert therein. Such overmolded articles are used in applications including vehicle components such as automotive interior light bases, posts, undercar components, cross members, chassis components, and frame components; architectural components such as home door interiors, sound damping panels, and weather resistant wood replacement. Articles formed with the inventive process yield weight reductions compared to conventional insert overmoldings, along with low scrap generation, process flexibility with respect to part shape and fiber material. Improved recyclability and reduce costs are realized with the inclusion of natural fiber fillers.

A substrate is described having a treated contact surface comprising a carbon or silicon compound comprising from 1 to 30 atomic percent oxygen, from 0.1 to 30 atomic percent nitrogen, or both, each as measured by XPS. The treated contact surface has a biomolecule recovery percentage greater than the biomolecule recovery percentage of the surface before treatment according to the method.