A polymeric foam precursor composition including the following components: (a) a di- or tri-functional (meth)acrylate oligomer (2); (b) a di- or higher-functional thiol compound (3); and (c) a borane compound (4) as initiator.
The foam precursor composition can be isocyanate free, and the curing rate is largely moisture independent and can cure at low temperatures, below freezing point.

Silicone foam compositions for forming foamed silicone elastomers are described herein, together with the respective foamed silicone elastomers formed therefrom and to methods of making such compositions and foamed silicone elastomers. The silicone rubber foam composition comprising: (a) one or more organopolysiloxane polymers having an average of at least two epoxide groups per molecule; (b) a Lewis acid catalyst, (c) one or more surfactants and optionally (d) a physical blowing agent. The foamed silicone elastomers are prepared by either mechanically foaming components (a), (b) and (c); or by introducing a physical blowing agent (d); and causing foaming by physical blowing.

Lightweight composite structural articles having a shell and core comprising a specially-formulated resin, and methods of manufacturing the same. In particular embodiments, the present invention relates to a composite railroad tie comprising an outer fiber-reinforced polymer shell and a unique core formed from a thermoexpandable resin mixture with microcapsules, which railroad tie is manufactured by extruding or pultruding the shell and core through a specially adapted die having a graded cavity, allowing for controlled expansion of the core as the shell and core are passed through the die.

Pest-resistant polyurethane spray foam formulations and products, including building insulation, are described. The B side of the formulation comprises water; a polyol composition comprising one or more polyols selected from glycerin-sucrose polyols, Mannich polyols, and aromatic polyester polyols, catalyst(s); surfactant(s); a blowing agent; and 0.5 to 5 wt. %, based on the amount of spray foam formulation, of a composition comprising a capsaicin compound. Capsaicin compounds can be successfully incorporated into spray foam formulations that process well to give high-quality foams. The foams inhibit termite infestation and can help to minimize or avoid structural damage that might otherwise go undetected.