Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A process for producing a foamed article of an aromatic polyester by mixing an aromatic polyester, 0.05 to 5% by weight, based on the aromatic polyester, of an epoxy compound which has two or more epoxy groups, 0.05 to 3% by weight based on the aromatic polyester, of a metal compound selected from the group consisting of organic acid salts, inorganic acid salts, and oxides of a metal of Group Ia, IIa or IIIa of the periodic table, and 0.05 to 30% by weight, based on the aromatic polyester, of a blowing agent in a melt extrusion shaping machine while introducing the blowing agent thereinto under pressure, said process comprising mixing said materials with a fibrous filler in said melt extrusion shaping machine, then extruding the molten mixture from said extrusion shaping machine, further expanding the extruded and unsolidified foamed article in an atmosphere maintained at reduced pressure, and solidifying said article by cooling in an atmosphere maintained at reduced pressure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
A process for producing a foamed article of an aromatic polyester by mixing an aromatic polyester, 0.05 to 5% by weight, based on the aromatic polyester, of an epoxy compound which has two or more epoxy groups, 0.05 to 3% by weight based on the aromatic polyester, of a metal compound selected from the group consisting of organic acid salts, inorganic acid salts, and oxides of a metal of Group Ia, IIa or IIIa of the periodic table, and 0.05 to 30% by weight, based on the aromatic polyester, of a blowing agent in a melt extrusion shaping machine while introducing the blowing agent thereinto under pressure, said process comprising mixing said materials with a fibrous filler in said melt extrusion shaping machine, then extruding the molten mixture from said extrusion shaping machine, further expanding the extruded and unsolidified foamed article in an atmosphere maintained at reduced pressure, and solidifying said article by cooling in an atmosphere maintained at reduced pressure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein said molten mixture is extruded into a sizing device directly connected to said extrusion shaping machine, and expanded and solidified in said sizing device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process according to claim 2 wherein said solidification is effected by cooling the peripheral wall of said sizing device with water.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said atmospheres are maintained at a pressure of less than about 560 mmHg ab.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the fibrous filler is used in an amount of 1 to 50% by weight based on the aromatic polyester.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process according to claim 5 wherein said fibrous filler is an inorganic fibrous material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process according to claim 6 wherein said inorganic fibrous material is a glass fiber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process according to claim 6 wherein said inorganic fibrous material is a carbon fiber.