Method for improving the expandability of styrenic polymer particles
AssigneeArco Chemical Technology, L.P.
InventorsFred M. Sonnenberg, Dennis M. Hajnik, William J. Poole
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Abstract
A method for improving the expandability of styrenic polymer particles is disclosed. The method comprises copolymerizing a styrenic monomer with an amount of an acrylate monomer effective to improve the expandability of the particles without adversely affecting their heat sensitivity. Polymer foams of low density can be prepared with reduced amounts of blowing agents.
Claims12
A method for improving the expandability of styrenic polymer particles, said method comprising copolymerizing in an aqueous suspension a styrenic monomer and an acrylate monomer, wherein the acrylate monomer is used in an amount within the range of about 0.3 to about 5 weight percent based on the amount of styrenic monomer and said amount to improve the expandability of the particles without adversely affecting their heat sensitivity.
A method for improving the expandability of styrenic polymer particles, said method comprising copolymerizing in an aqueous suspension a styrenic monomer and an acrylate monomer in the presence of styrenic polymer seed particles to form coated particles having a styrenic polymer core and a styrenic/acrylate copolymer outer coating, wherein the amount of acrylate monomer used is within the range of about 0.3 to about 5 weight percent based on the amount of styrenic monomer and said amount to improve expandability of the coated particles without adversely affecting their heat sensitivity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.