Arco Polymers, Inc.

Clarence E Chaney

Ronald A Fava

Many reflector beads have been made from plastics more costly then polystyrene. By the present invention, water white, crystal clear polystyrene beads are prepared from styrene by polymerization in an aqueous solution having a concentration of from about 2.5 to about 6 molar inorganic solute, at conditions corresponding to production of uniformly sized polystyrene beads of the type ordinarily used as precursor for expandable polystyrene beads. The thus produced beads are rinsed with water and then dried to provide reflector beads.

Production of polystyrene reflector beads

Several established methods produce precursor beads suitable for subsequent impregnation with a volatile agent for making expandable polystyrene beads. Different methods have led to production of reflector beads of crystal clear polystyrene for use as reflectors in movie screens, signs, and the like. Heretofore it has not been practical to use precursor beads as reflector beads. Many reflector beads have been made from plastics more costly than polystyrene. By the present invention, cloudy precursor beads are dispersed in an aqueous solution having a concentration of from about 1.5 to about 6 molar inorganic solute and heated to a temperature in the range from about 110.degree. to 130.degree. C. for a few minutes. The thus treated beads are rinsed with water and then dried to provide reflector beads.

Production of reflector beads from precursor beads for expandable

The invention concerns thermoplastic molding compositions consisting essentially of a blend of:

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Verona, PA, United States of America

Clarence E Chaney