Akzo Nobel N.v.

Odd Bjerke

Anna Kron

Peter Sj&ouml;gren

Klas Elfving

The invention concerns a process for preparation of light weight objects comprising calendering, extrusion, blow or injection moulding a resin of polypropylene, polystyrene, HD polyethylene or copolymers thereof and, admixed therein, thermally expandable microspheres including a thermoplastic polymer shell encapsulating a propellant, at a temperature sufficient to result in expansion of the microspheres, wherein said polymer shell is made of a homo- or co-polymer from ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising more than 80 wt % of nitrile containing monomers. The invention further concerns light weight objects obtainable by the process.

Process for producing objects

The invention relates to thermally expandable microspheres comprising a thermoplastic polymer shell and a propellant entrapped therein, wherein said polymer shell is made of a homo- or co-polymer from ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising more than 85 wt % of nitrile containing monomers and said propellant comprises at least 50 wt % of isooctane. The invention further relates to preparation and use of expandable microspheres, a composition comprising expandable microspheres and articles comprising foamed material containing expanded microspheres.

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Sundsvall, Sweden

Odd Bjerke