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.

A process for the production of a geopolymer composite. The disclosure further relates to a geopolymer composite, and the use of a geopolymer, a geopolymer in combination with an athermanous additive, or the geopolymer composite in expanded vinyl polymer, preferably vinyl aromatic polymer. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a process for the production of expandable vinyl aromatic polymer granulate, and expandable vinyl aromatic polymer granulate. Finally, the disclosure relates to expanded vinyl foam, preferably vinyl aromatic polymer, and to a masterbatch comprising vinyl polymer and a), b), or c).

A process for the production of a geopolymer composite. The disclosure further relates to a geopolymer composite, and the use of a geopolymer, a geopolymer in combination with an athermanous additive, or the geopolymer composite in expanded vinyl polymer, preferably vinyl aromatic polymer. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a process for the production of expandable vinyl aromatic polymer granulate, and expandable vinyl aromatic polymer granulate. Finally, the disclosure relates to expanded vinyl foam, preferably vinyl aromatic polymer, and to a masterbatch comprising vinyl polymer and a), b), or c).

The present teachings contemplate a method comprising coating an polymeric material with a composition including a dicarbonyl compound and having a viscosity of from about 50 cps to about 500 cps, wherein the coating initiates either: (i) spontaneous polymerization (e.g., in less than about one minute) at room temperature of the composition without the addition of an initiator; or (ii) polymerization at room temperature at a selected later time with or without the addition of an initiator; and wherein the composition adheres or facilitates adhesion of the polymeric material to a substrate.

The present teachings contemplate a method comprising coating an polymeric material with a composition including a dicarbonyl compound and having a viscosity of from about 50 cps to about 500 cps, wherein the coating initiates either: (i) spontaneous polymerization (e.g., in less than about one minute) at room temperature of the composition without the addition of an initiator; or (ii) polymerization at room temperature at a selected later time with or without the addition of an initiator; and wherein the composition adheres or facilitates adhesion of the polymeric material to a substrate.

Novel particles and materials for chromatographic separations, processes for preparation and separations devices containing the chromatographic particles and materials are provided by the instant invention. In particular, the invention provides a porous inorganic/organic hybrid particle, wherein the inorganic portion of the hybrid particle is present in an amount ranging from about 0 molar % to not more than about 49 molar %, wherein the pores of the particle are substantially disordered. The invention also provides a porous inorganic/organic hybrid particle, wherein the inorganic portion of the hybrid particle is present in an amount ranging from about 25 molar % to not more than about 50 molar %, wherein the pores of the particle are substantially disordered and wherein the particle has a chromatographically enhancing pore geometry (CEPG). Methods for producing the hybrid particles, separations devices comprising the hybrid particles and kits are also provided.

Novel particles and materials for chromatographic separations, processes for preparation and separations devices containing the chromatographic particles and materials are provided by the instant invention. In particular, the invention provides a porous inorganic/organic hybrid particle, wherein the inorganic portion of the hybrid particle is present in an amount ranging from about 0 molar % to not more than about 49 molar %, wherein the pores of the particle are substantially disordered. The invention also provides a porous inorganic/organic hybrid particle, wherein the inorganic portion of the hybrid particle is present in an amount ranging from about 25 molar % to not more than about 50 molar %, wherein the pores of the particle are substantially disordered and wherein the particle has a chromatographically enhancing pore geometry (CEPG). Methods for producing the hybrid particles, separations devices comprising the hybrid particles and kits are also provided.

The present invention relates to an expandable polymeric composition that comprises: a) from 60% to 88% by weight of a vinyl aromatic polymer and/or copolymer, calculated respect to (a)+(b); b) from 12% to 40% by weight of a block copolymer, containing at least one vinyl aromatic polymer and/or copolymer and at least one hydrogenated diene polymer, calculated respect to (a)+(b); c) from 3 parts to 10 parts by weight of a blowing agent, calculated on 100 parts of (a)+(b).

The present invention relates to an expandable polymeric composition that comprises: a) from 60% to 88% by weight of a vinyl aromatic polymer and/or copolymer, calculated respect to (a)+(b); b) from 12% to 40% by weight of a block copolymer, containing at least one vinyl aromatic polymer and/or copolymer and at least one hydrogenated diene polymer, calculated respect to (a)+(b); c) from 3 parts to 10 parts by weight of a blowing agent, calculated on 100 parts of (a)+(b).

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.