The invention relates to a modified geopolymer and a modified geopolymer composite comprising additive. The additive is preferably an athermanous additive. The modification is with one or more water-soluble compounds, the water-soluble compound is preferably selected from phosphorus compounds, nitrogen compounds, copper compounds, silver compounds, zinc compounds, tin compounds and magnesium compounds. Also, it relates to compositions which contain the modified geopolymer or modified geopolymer composite. The compositions preferably comprise vinyl aromatic polymer and are in the form of a foam.

A process for forming voided latex particles is improved by combining swelling and polymerization of an outer shell into a single step. The process includes contacting multi-stage emulsion polymer particles comprising a core, at least one intermediate shell, with a swelling agent, and polymerizing an outer shell after said contacting with swelling agent wherein the core and the at least one intermediate shell are contacted with swelling agent in the presence of less than 0.5% monomer based on the weight of the multi-stage emulsion polymer particles, and substantially all of the swelling occurs during polymerization of the outer shell.

A process for forming voided latex particles is improved by combining swelling and polymerization of an outer shell into a single step. The process includes contacting multi-stage emulsion polymer particles comprising a core, at least one intermediate shell, with a swelling agent, and polymerizing an outer shell after said contacting with swelling agent wherein the core and the at least one intermediate shell are contacted with swelling agent in the presence of less than 0.5% monomer based on the weight of the multi-stage emulsion polymer particles, and substantially all of the swelling occurs during polymerization of the outer shell.

Methods for manufacturing articles, including articles of footwear, apparel, and sporting equipment are provided. The methods comprise decorating a plurality of foam particles. The decorating can comprise applying a coating on the foam particles, or embossing or debossing the foam particles, or both. The decorating can comprise applying a coating on the foam particles by printing, painting, dyeing, applying a film, or any combination thereof. The plurality of foam particles are affixed utilizing aspects of additive manufacturing methods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Methods for manufacturing articles, including articles of footwear, apparel, and sporting equipment are provided. The methods comprise decorating a plurality of foam particles. The decorating can comprise applying a coating on the foam particles, or embossing or debossing the foam particles, or both. The decorating can comprise applying a coating on the foam particles by printing, painting, dyeing, applying a film, or any combination thereof. The plurality of foam particles are affixed utilizing aspects of additive manufacturing methods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Methods for manufacturing articles, including articles of footwear, apparel, and sporting equipment are provided. The methods comprise decorating a plurality of foam particles. The decorating can comprise applying a coating on the foam particles, or embossing or debossing the foam particles, or both. The decorating can comprise applying a coating on the foam particles by printing, painting, dyeing, applying a film, or any combination thereof. The plurality of foam particles are affixed utilizing aspects of additive manufacturing methods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Methods for manufacturing articles, including articles of footwear, apparel, and sporting equipment are provided. The methods comprise decorating a plurality of foam particles. The decorating can comprise applying a coating on the foam particles, or embossing or debossing the foam particles, or both. The decorating can comprise applying a coating on the foam particles by printing, painting, dyeing, applying a film, or any combination thereof. The plurality of foam particles are affixed utilizing aspects of additive manufacturing methods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Disclosed are particles that have an exterior surface coated with a thin polymeric coating, such as a coating that includes a sulfur-containing polymer. Also disclosed are compositions, such as fuel-resistant sealant and coating compositions, which include such particles. Aerospace vehicles having an aperture at least partially sealed with a sealant deposited from such a sealant composition are also disclosed.

Disclosed are particles that have an exterior surface coated with a thin polymeric coating, such as a coating that includes a sulfur-containing polymer. Also disclosed are compositions, such as fuel-resistant sealant and coating compositions, which include such particles. Aerospace vehicles having an aperture at least partially sealed with a sealant deposited from such a sealant composition are also disclosed.

A section of (cured and non-liquid) textured foam includes at least a portion of an upper surface that substantially resembles a look of a human fingerprint for a purpose of providing enhanced grip traction between the at least the portion of the upper surface of the textured foam and a hand or a foot of a user of the textured foam. Disposed opposite of the upper surface of the textured foam may be an adhesive backing for attachment to a diverse variety of exterior surfaces where improved grip traction are desired. Systems and methods for making such textured foam that substantially resembles a look of a human fingerprint may utilize a heating means and a compression means.