United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of Nasa

Polyumac Inc.

Juan Miguel Vazquez

Brian J Jensen

Roberto J Cano

Erik S Weiser

Expanded products, more specifically, rigid or semi-flexible foams of low density from 1.5 to 12 lbs/ftor more, with closed cells can be manufactured. The products have a PVC backbone with branches with methacrylate crosslinked with isocyanate through a reaction activated by ultraviolet or microwave radiation. The use of polyfunctional monomers that are sensitive to irradiation yields a higher cross-link density, which improves the physical and mechanical properties such as hardness, resistance to abrasion, ductility, and resistance to friction. The selection of monomers and oligomers allows the manufacturer to determine of the final properties of the foam. The process yields foams with extreme hardness and better shear factors making the foam an ideal product for aerospace and windmill use. These physical properties emerge during the post-curing process, preferably by use of compounds based on methacrylates in dispersion with PVC and isocyanates.

Rigid, closed-cell, graft-polymer foam; rigid flexible cellular foam; rigid flexible cellular foam mixtures; and method for manufacturing a rigid, closed-cell, graft-polymer foam

A fully imidized, solvent-free polyimide foam having excellent mechanical, acoustic, thermal, and flame resistant properties is produced. A first solution is provided, which includes one or more aromatic dianhydrides or derivatives of aromatic dianhydrides, and may include one or more aromatic diamines, dissolved in one or more polar solvents, along with an effective amount of one or more blowing agents. This first solution may also advantageously include effective amounts respectively of one or mores catalysts, one or more surfactants, and one or more fire retardants. A second solution is also provided which includes one or more isocyanates. The first and second solutions are rapidly and thoroughly mixed to produce an admixture, which is allowed to foam&#x2014;in an open container, or in a closed mold&#x2014;under ambient conditions to completion produce a foamed product. This foamed product is then cured by high frequency electromagnetic radiation, thermal energy, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the process is adapted for spraying or extrusion.

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Miami, FL, United States of America

Juan Miguel Vazquez