TW200812801A - Load bearing structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A load-bearing platform that includes a base and a plurality of legs extending from one side of the base, where the load bearing platform is at least partly made of an expandable polymer matrix that includes an interpolymer of a polyolefin and in situ polymerized vinyl aromatic monomers.

Description

200812801 IX. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to novel load bearing structures, such as pallets, basins, and souths, which are commonly used to stack articles thereon for storage and/or transportation. [Prior Art] The transport pallet supports a portable platform for the well-known load i, on which items are placed for storage and/or transportation. Cartridges are often loaded with many items, such as cartons or boxes. Loaded pallets are mobile and are typically moved by pallet trucks or stackers. In general, pallets are made of wood-based pallets that weigh from forty to seventy pounds. Therefore, the weight of the goods transported on the wooden pallet is reduced by forty to seventy pounds to supply the weight of the wooden pallet. This severely limits the amount of cargo that can be transported, especially in the case of air transport. In addition, it is common for people carrying wooden pallets to suffer from a variety of injuries caused by wood chips and nails. In addition, the disposal of wooden pallets is a matter of constant concern. About the use of wooden trusses to cause eucalyptus insects (including Asian Longhorned Beetle, Asian Cerambycid Beetle, Pine Wood Nematode, Pine Wilt Nematode) The introduction of Anoplophora Glapripwnnis has become an international concern. The exemplary damage caused by the introduction of insects is the destruction of chestnut trees in the United States. There used to be a period of time. It is said that the squirrel is enough to cross the United States on the chestnut branches and not touch the ground 120823.doc 200812801. Insect swarms caused the chestnut trees to become extinct in the United States. Efforts to overcome the disadvantages of wooden pallets have led to the creation of molded foam pallets. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,786,992 discloses a pallet having an expanded polystyrene core and a high impact polystyrene layer covering a portion of the core. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0263044 discloses a pallet comprising a shape-definable compressible core member having at least Φ - a surface including a convex feature and a periphery of a core member; and a thermoplastic / V, the shell has a shell interior and a shell edge, wherein the shell includes a first bendable thermoplastic sheet, the first bendable thermoplastic sheet having an interior formed by the convex surface of the core member and a An outer peripherally extending sheet edge of the periphery of the core member and a second bendable thermoplastic sheet having a second sheet interior and a second sheet edge extending outside the periphery of the core member. In general, pallets made of plastic, especially foam, are not as strong as the reinforced wooden pallets and, therefore, are broken under load bearing stresses during use, making them undesirable. Accordingly, there is a need in the art to provide a lightweight pallet that is resistant to the load bearing stresses that are conventionally used in the weight of wooden pallets for transporting and/or storing articles. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a load bearing platform that includes a pedestal and a plurality of struts extending from the side of the pedestal, wherein the load bearing platform is at least partially comprised of a vinyl comprising a polyolefin and a polymer on the spot. An aromatic monomer interpolymer 120823.doc 200812801 made of a swellable polymer matrix. [Embodiment] Hereinafter, the term ",", "," "skin umbrella,,,irn

Cl, "top", "bottom", and its derivatives should be described as directed in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention may take alternative variations and order of steps, except where the contrary is stated. It is also to be understood that the specific embodiments of the invention described in the drawings and described in the description below are exemplary embodiments of the invention. The specific dimensions and other physical characteristics of the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the course of describing the embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made herein to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts. Except in the case of # actual shot or otherwise stated, all numbers or expressions relating to the quantities used in the description, the statement, the ingredients used in the enclosure, the reaction conditions, etc. shall be understood as the terms in all cases. Therefore, the numerical parameters stated in the following (2) patent (4) towel are all approximations of the desired properties to be obtained according to the present invention, unless otherwise indicated. It is not intended to limit the application of the principles of the equivalents of the patent claims, and the numerical parameters should be analyzed based on at least the number of significant digits reported and by applying general rounding techniques. / S states the broad scope of the invention The numerical range of the categories and the approximate values of the parameter systems are reported as accurately as possible in the examples. However, any value inherently contains some of the errors inherent in the standard 120823.doc 200812801 difference seen in its respective test measurements. And 'should be aware that any numerical values recited herein are intended to include the scope of all sub-families included in it, such as '"money" Included between the minimum value 1 and the maximum value 1G and including all the sub-ranges of the minimum value 丨 and the most large value 10; that is, 'having equal to or greater than k minimum, XI equal to or less than Called the maximum. Since the range of values disclosed is continuous 'so it includes every value between the minimum and the maximum. Unless otherwise clearly indicated in 3, the numerical ranges specified in this application are approximate. The term "expandable polymer matrix" as used herein refers to a polymeric material in the form of microparticles or beads that are impregnated with a blowing agent such that when the microparticles and/or beads are placed in a heat and heat is applied thereto Evaporation of the blowing agent (as described below) enables the formation of honeycomb structures and/or expanded honeycomb structures in the microparticles and/or beads and the outer surfaces of the microparticles and/or beads are fused together to form a mold A continuous mass of a shaped polymeric material. • The term "polymer" as used herein means, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, and graft copolymers. The term " as used herein. Polyolefin " refers to a polymer prepared from at least one olefin monomer, such as saturated cesium, non-limiting examples of which include women's, propylene, butylene and 1-octene. The term "polyethylene" as used herein refers not only to and includes homopolymers of ethylene, but also to and includes ethylene copolymers containing up to 150 mole % 'in some cases at least 70 moles %, and in other cases 120823.d Oc 200812801 At least 80 mol% of ethylene units 神 phase Shenping Zhaoxing corresponding units of units that can be copolymerized with ethylene, and blends, i contains. to small "eight, each has at least 50 wt 〇 /〇, in some cases at least 60 wt%, and at least 75 wt% of ethylene homopolymer or copolymer with another polymer in the case of 棒#棒,7丁st丨. Non-limiting examples of copolymerized monomers include ethyl acetate, vinyl chloride, albuters, r-hexamethylene, and (meth)propanol and vinegar thereof.

Polymers which can be blended with the ethylene homopolymer or copolymer include any polymer which is compatible with the ethylene homopolymer or copolymer. Non-limiting examples of polymers that can be blended with ethylene homopolymers or copolymers include poly(tetra), polybutadiene, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, chlorinated polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, styrene Dilute/butadiene dilute copolymer, vinyl acetate s|/ethylene copolymer, acrylonitrile/butadiene copolymer, styrene/butadiene/acrylonitrile copolymer and vinyl/vinyl acetate copolymer. The term "styrenic polymer" as used herein refers to a homopolymer of a styrenic monomer and a copolymer of a styrene monomer and another copolymerizable monomer, wherein the stupid vinyl monomer Forming at least 5 mole % of monomer units in the copolymer. Non-limiting examples of styrenic monomers include styrene, p-methyl styrene, alpha-mercapto styrene, tert-butyl styrene, Dimethyl styrene, nucleoside brominated or gasified derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable copolymerizable monomers include 1,3-butadiene, Cl-Cs2 linear, cyclic or branched Chain alkyl (meth)acrylates (specific non-limiting examples include (meth) butyl acrylate, ethyl (meth) acrylate, methyl (meth) acrylate and 2-ethyl hexyl (meth) acrylate ), acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate, cardiomethylethylene, divinylbenzene, maleic anhydride, maleic acid, fumaric acid, cis 120823.doc •10- 200812801 butene fe^cvc12 Straight chain, branched or cyclic monoalkyl vinegar and double alkyl vinegar, fumaric acid Cl_Ci2 linear, branched or cyclic Single-alkyl vinegar and bis-alkyl ketone, itaconic acid, itaconic acid, Ci_Ci2 linear, branched or cyclic monoterpene esters and dialkyl esters, itaconic anhydride, and combinations thereof. "(Meth)acrylic acid" and "(methyl)acrylic acid vinegar, including acrylic acid and methyl acrylate derivatives, such as the term "(meth)acrylic acid vinegar "; meaning to cover the corresponding alkyl esters commonly referred to as propylene (tetra) and (meth) acrylate. The term "molding" as used herein refers to the formation of a bendable material to present a novel desired shape. Molding may involve the use of specific molding tools, such as male mold molding tools and master molding tools; embossed pressure plates and An analog thereof. It may also include the use of a specially shaped core member comprising a compressible core member for imparting at least a portion of the thermoplastic material to a desired shape. The term ''expansion coefficient' as used herein. Refers to the volume occupied by a given weight of expanded polymer beads, usually expressed as cc/g. The present invention provides a load bearing platform that includes a base and a plurality of struts extending from one side of the base. The load bearing platform of the present invention is made from a swellable polymer matrix comprising an interpolymer of a polyolefin with a vinyl aromatic monomer polymerized on the spot and optionally other swellable polymers. In an embodiment of the invention, the interpolymer of a polyolefin and a vinyl aromatic monomer polymerized on the spot is described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,959,389; 4,168,353; 4,303,756, 4,303,757. And _ or more of the interpolymers of the above-mentioned patents No. 120, 823, doc. Non-limiting examples of such interpolymers useful in the present invention include those available under the tradename arcel® from n〇va

Chemicals Inc., Pittsburgh, PA and under the trade name Pi0CELAN (D purchased from

Interpolymer of Sekisui Plastics co., Ltd, T〇ky〇, Japan. In an embodiment of the invention, the interpolymer of the polyolefin and the on-site polymeric vinyl aromatic monomer is microparticles or resin beads which are subsequently processed to form a pallet according to the present invention. The interpolymer microparticles useful in the present invention comprise a polyolefin and a ginger-based vinyl aromatic resin which form an interpenetrating network of polythene and ethylene-based aromatic resin particles. The interpolymer particles are impregnated with a blowing agent and, as the case may be, a plasticizer. The interpolymer particles can be obtained by treatment comprising suspending polyolefin particles and a vinyl aromatic monomer or monomer mixture in an aqueous suspension and polymerizing the monomer or monomer mixture inside the polyolefin particles. Non-limiting examples of such treatments are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,959,189, 4,168,353, and 6,908,949. In one embodiment of the invention, the polyolefin comprises a blend selected from the group consisting of low, medium and high density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene/propylene copolymer, polyethylene and polypropylene, polyethylene and A blend of ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer and a blend of polyethylene and ethylene/propylene copolymer, or a compound of 3k ethyl acetate. Ethylene-acrylic acid butyl acrylate copolymer and ethyl hydrazine-mercaptopropionate copolymer can also be used. The amount of the polylute hydrocarbon in the interpolymer resin microparticles of the present invention may be at least 20 wt%, in some cases at least 25 wt〇/〇, 120823.doc • 12· 200812801, and by weight of the interpolymer resin microparticles. In other cases at least 30 wt%, and may be up to 80 wt%, in some cases up to 70 wt%, in other cases up to 60 wt% and in some cases up to 55 wt%. The amount of polyolefin in the interpolymer resin particles can be any value or range between any of the above values. The amount of the polymerized vinyl aromatic resin in the interpolymer resin microparticles of the present invention may range from at least 2% by weight, in some cases at least 30% by weight, based on the weight of the interpolymer resin particles, in other cases. At least 4% by weight and in some cases at least 45% by weight, and may be up to 80% by weight, in some cases up to 75% by weight and in other cases up to 7% by weight. The amount of the polymerized vinyl aromatic resin in the interpolymer resin particles can be any value or range between any of the above values. The vinyl aromatic resin may be composed of a polymerized vinyl aromatic monomer or the resin may be a copolymer containing monomer units derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer and a copolymerizable comonomer. Non-limiting examples of vinyl aromatic monomers useful in the present invention include styrene, alpha-mercapto styrene, ethyl styrene, chlorostyrene, > odor styrene, vinyl toluene, vinyl benzene and Isopropyl xylene. These monomers may be used singly or in combination. Non-limiting examples of copolymerizable comonomers include hydrazine, 3-butadiene, (decyl)acrylic acid C^C: 32 linear, cyclic, branched alkyl esters (non-limiting examples include (methyl) Butyl acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate and 2-ethyl vinegar (meth) acrylate, acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate, α-methylethylene, divinyl stupid, cis-butyl phthalic anhydride , itaconic anhydride, diammonium succinate and diethyl maleate. Non-limiting examples of vinyl aromatic copolymers useful in the present invention include those described in U.S. Patent No. 4,594, which is incorporated herein by reference. Specific non-limiting examples of suitable vinyl aromatic copolymers include copolymers comprising repeating units of polymerized styrene and heavy fresheners polymerizing one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of: 1,3_ Ding Ergui, (Methyl) propylene is called & linear, nucleated or branched alkyl group 8 (specific non-limiting examples include (meth) butyl acetoacetate, (f-) ethyl acrylate and (methyl) Acetate 2•ethyl vinegar), acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate vinegar, α•methylethylene, diethyl benzene,

Maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride, dimethyl maleate and diethyl maleate. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the vinyl aromatic resin comprises a polystyrene or styrene-butyl acrylate copolymer. In general, the 'interpolymer resin microparticles' can be formed by dispersing the polyolefin microparticles in an amount of from 1 to 5% by weight of water, and in some cases 2 to 3 wt% such as water-soluble. Prepared by high molecular weight materials (for example, poly: enol or mercapto cellulose) or water sparingly soluble inorganic materials (for example, calcium phosphate or magnesium pyrogate) and soap (sodium > In an aqueous medium, a vinyl aromatic monomer is added to the suspension and allowed to polymerize within the polyolefin particles. ^ Any of the conventional and commonly used suspending agents for the polymerization of vinyl aromatic monomers can be employed. Such agents are well known in the art and are freely selectable by those skilled in the art. Initially, the amount of water is usually from 0.7 to 5, preferably from 3 to 5 times (by weight of leaves) of the starting polyolefin particles used in the aqueous suspension, and gradually the ratio of polymer particles to water can be approximated. 1 · 1 Polymerization of vinyl aromatic monomer 120823.doc •14- 200812801 absorbed in polyolefin microparticles using an initiator. The initiator suitable for the suspension polymerization of the vinyl aromatic monomer is usually used in an amount of about wt%, and in some cases 〇^ to 1 wt%, based on the weight of the ruthenium monomer. Non-limiting examples of suitable initiators include organic peroxides such as benzamidine peroxide, lauric acid peroxide, tert-butyl perbenzoate and t-butyl peroxypivalate and such as azodi An azo compound of isobutyronitrile and azobisisoheptanenitrile. These initiators may be used singly or in combination of two or more initiators. In many cases, the initiator is dissolved in a vinyl aromatic monomer which will be absorbed in the polyolefin microparticles. In other cases, the initiator may be dissolved in a solvent such as toluene, benzene, and 12-dipropane. Upon completion of the on-site polymerization of the vinyl aromatic monomer, the polymerized vinyl aromatic resin is uniformly dispersed inside the polyolefin fine particles. In many cases, the polyolefin particles are crosslinked. Crosslinking can be achieved simultaneously with the polymerization of the vinyl aromatic monomer in the polyolefin microparticles and prior to the impregnation of the blowing agent and/or plasticizer. For this purpose, a crosslinking agent is used. Such crosslinking agents include, but are not limited to, di-tert-butyl peroxide, tert-butyl cumyl peroxide, monoisopropyl peroxide, alpha, alpha-bis- Tributylperoxy)-p-diisopropylbenzene, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)-hexyne-3,2,5-dimethyl -2,5-di-(phenylhydrazolyloxy)-hexane and tert-butyl-peroxyisopropyl carbonate. Such crosslinkers are prepared by dissolving a crosslinking agent in an amount of from about 1 to 2 wt% and, in some cases, from 0.5 to 1 wt%, based on the weight of the polyhydric hydrocarbon particles suspended in water. It is absorbed into the polyolefin microparticles together with the ethyl fluorene aromatic monomer. Further details of the crosslinker and the manner in which the crosslinker is absorbed into the polyolefin microparticles are provided in U.S. Patent No. 3,959,189. In an embodiment of the present invention, the interpolymer of the polyolefin and the vinyl aromatic monomer polymerized on the spot comprises a rubber-modified styrenic polymer in which the rubber constitutes a continuous phase and the styrene is polymerized. The composition constitutes a dispersed phase, as described in the commonly-owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2/6/276,558, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment, the rubber-modified styrenic polymer is prepared by the following W steps: I) a dispersion of organic small droplets of an organic liquid phase formed in the aqueous phase, which may be stationary or flowing. Where the organic phase comprises an organic solution comprising one or more elastomeric polymers dissolved in a monomer solution comprising one or more aryl polymerizable monomers, the organic droplets having from about 0.001 mm to about 10 mm The average diameter, and η) polymerize the monomers in the organic droplets in a low shear flow pattern. • In one aspect of this embodiment, the organic phase 326 is compressed under the free surface of the aqueous phase to form a dispersion of organic droplets which may be stationary or flowing. In another aspect of this embodiment, the dispersion of the organic-liquid phase organic droplets in the aqueous phase is formed by mechanical agitation, which may be stationary or mobile. The styrenic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of styrene, cardiomethylstyrene, ethylstyrene, chlorostyrene, bromostyrene, vinyltoluene, vinylbenzene, and isopropyl diphenylbenzene, and mixtures thereof. The residue of the vinyl aromatic monomer 120823.doc •16- 200812801. The elastomeric polymer may comprise - or a plurality of filamentous diene copolymers such as, but not limited to, butadiene, isoprene (i.e., 2_mercapto-1,3- Butadiene), 3·butadiene, 2,3-dimethyl U-butadiene and pentylene, one or more suitable unsaturated nitriles such as acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile, and optionally One or more polar monomers such as acrylic acid, mercaptopropene I, itaconic acid and maleic acid; alkyl esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids such as decyl acrylate and butyl acrylate; alkoxylates of unsaturated carboxylic acids Alkyl esters such as methoxy acrylate, ethoxyethyl acrylate, methoxyethyl acrylate; acrylamide, methacrylamide; N-substituted acrylamide, such as N-oxindole Acrylamide, N,N,-dimethylol decylamine and N-ethoxy hydroxydecyl acrylamide; N-substituted methacrylamide, such as ... hydroxymethyl methacrylate Amine, N,N,-dimethylolmethacrylamide, N-ethoxy-mercaptomethylpropenamide; and vinyl chloride. Such copolymers may also include one or the other from the group consisting of, for example, but not limited to, styrene, o-methyl styrene, m-decyl styrene, p-nonyl styrene, dimethyl styrene, and ethyl styrene. A repeating unit for the polymerization of an aromatic ethyl fluorenyl monomer. These types of copolymers are referred to by those skilled in the art as "acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber" or "acrylonitrile butadiene-phenethyl rubber" or collectively "nitrile rubber. In certain embodiments of the invention, the nitrile rubber may be partially hydrogenated in the presence of hydrogen, preferably with a suitable hydrogenation catalyst. The expandable polymer matrix of the present invention can be used as a raw material for producing a foamed article. A blowing agent and/or a plasticizer is introduced into the swellable polymer matrix resin granules to form foamable or swellable microparticles or resin beads which are then used in the molded foam article of 120823.doc -17-200812801. The blowing agent should have a boiling point below the softening point of the polyolefin and should be gaseous or liquid at room temperature (about 2 Torr to 3 Torr C) and at atmospheric pressure (about atmospheric pressure). Blowing agents are known in the art and typically have a range of -42. (: to 8 〇. (::, more usually -1 〇C to 36 c boiling point. Suitable hydrocarbon blowing agents include, but are not limited to, aliphatic cigarettes such as n-propane, n-butane, isobutane, n-Pentane, isopentane, n-ray and neopentyl; cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclobutane and cyclopentane; and halogenated φ hydrocarbons such as methyl chloride, ethyl chloride, dichloromethane, trichloro Fluorodecane, dichlorohydrazine, dichlorodifluoromethane, chlorodifluoromethane and dichlorotetrafluoroethane; etc. These blowing agents can be used alone or in the form of a mixture. And in the form of a mixture of n-butane, ethyl gas and di-tetrafluoroethane which are gaseous under normal pressure, it is possible to achieve foaming to a low bulk density. A specific type of volatile blowing agent is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,959,180. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the blowing agent is selected from the group consisting of n-pentane, isopentane, neopentane, cyclopentane, and mixtures thereof. _ The amount of blowing agent ranges from swellable The weight of the polymer matrix ranges from about 1.5 wt% to 20 wt%, in some cases from about 15 wt% to 15 wt% and in other cases from 5 wt% to 15 wt%. The plasticizer may be combined with a blowing agent and used as described above and used as a foaming aid in the present invention. Suitable plasticizers include, but are not limited to, benzene; toluene; limonene; linear, branched or cyclic C5_C20 alkane; white oil; linear, branched or cyclic Ci-Cw dialkyl phthalate; styrene; styrene oligomer; glass transition temperature less than polystyrene (meth)acrylic acid An oligomer of an ester; and a group thereof 120823.doc -18 - 200812801. In a particular embodiment of the invention 'plasticizers include sticks of lemon, a type of protection: a mono-hydrocarbon in the plant kingdom. Known The type is d·limonene, (1) 宁'豕, and di. lemon thin. It is called mentholene contained in the skin of orange fruit and used as a fragrance in foods; it has a Buddha point of about 176 χ; The ignition point is =. D-limonene is a colorless liquid with a pleasant orange-like aroma, which is: a food additive and widely used as a harmful air pollutant for the raw material of the fragrance. W +疋 - the range of the amount of plasticizer To be about 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of the swellable polymer matrix per 1 part by weight and in some cases From about 1 to about 1 part by weight. In an embodiment of the invention, the interpolymer particles can be produced by suspending the poly-smoke particles in water H containing a dispersant in the first reactor. The dispersing agent may be polyethyl alcohol, methyl cellulose, calcium citrate, magnesium pyrophosphate, carbonic acid dance, tribasic acid, etc. The amount of the dispersing agent may be 0.01 by weight: 0.01% by weight. It is possible to add an interface to the aqueous medium [biocide. _like t, if a surfactant is used, the interfacial activity is used to reduce the surface tension of the suspended U and help emulsify the water in the mixture of the initiator and the soil. Aromatic monomers. Suitable oxime and polyethylidene amide. The aqueous medium is usually heated to a temperature at which the ethylene aryl group can be polymerized, for example, at a time of 12 to 2 G hours, that is, , ^ single ^ about 12 generations. In the period from the 12th to the time of the material, the ethoxylate precursor, the vinyl aromatic polymerization initiator and the crosslinking agent are added to the resulting suspension containing the polysaccharide microparticles, and dispersed in an aqueous medium. These materials may be added all at once or gradually added in individual portions. 120823.doc -19- 200812801 Acidizing, dehydrating, screening and subsequently feeding the interpolymer particles into the second reactor. The particles are impregnated with a blowing agent and/or a plasticizer in the second reactor. The impregnation step can be carried out by adding a foaming agent and/or a plasticizer to the resulting suspension by suspending the interpolymer particles in an aqueous medium and (preferably) about 4 Torr. It is carried out by stirring at 8 ° C / JHL. The blowing agent and/or plasticizer may be blended together and then added to the interpolymer particles or may be separately added to the interpolymer particles. Alternatively, the blowing agent and/or plasticizer may be added to the first reactor during or after the polymerization process. The above process describes a wet process for impregnating interpolymer particles. Alternatively, the interpolymer particles may be impregnated via an anhydrous process similar to that taught in U.S. Patent 4,4, pp. 4, 4, lines 20 to 36. In an embodiment of the invention, the blowing agent can be compounded in an extruder into an expandable polymer matrix to produce resin particles or beads. The extruder is used to mix the blowing agent into the expandable polymer matrix prior to extruding the mixture. The strands may be cut into beads or granule length using suitable equipment. Non-limiting examples of suitable equipment are underwater face cutters. Interpolymer resins and/or swellable polymer matrix particles may also contain Other additives known in the art, non-limiting examples include antistatic additives; flame retardants; colorants or dyes; filler materials and combinations thereof. Other additives may also include chain transfer agents, non-limiting examples including C215 alkyl mercaptans such as n-dodecyl mercaptan, tert-dodecyl mercaptan, tert-butyl mercaptan, and n-butyl mercaptan And other reagents, such as pentaphenyl ethene and ^ 120823.doc -20 - 200812801 t monomer. Other additives may be used as an agent; examples include poly-polymerization, that is, a dinuclear-forming single-=substrate matrix comprising an interpolymer of a polysaturated hydrocarbon and an ethylene-based aromatic precursor in situ polymerization, and optionally other additions/expansion &; Other expandable materials include those which are compatible with the load bearing of the present invention and which are compatible with the polyolefin and the interpolymer of the vinyl polymer on the spot. Non-limiting examples of other expandable polymers that can be used in the present invention

(4) a swellable polyolefin; a rubber-modified styrene-based polymer in which a styrene-based polymer constitutes a continuous phase in the resin and a rubber constitutes a dispersed phase; and a rubber-modified styrene-based polymer In the resin, the rubber constitutes a continuous phase and the styrenic polymer constitutes a dispersed phase (as described in the commonly-owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 6/5(4), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Medium); polyphenylene ether; and combinations and blends thereof. The expandable polymer matrix may contain 100% of the interpolymer of the polyolefin and the vinyl aromatic monomer polymerized on the spot, but may also contain up to 99% by weight of the swellable polymer matrix, in some cases Up to 95%, in other cases up to 90〇/. In some cases up to 8% and in other cases up to 75% of the polyanthrene and the interpolymerized ethylene aryl monomer in the field. Also, the swellable polymer matrix may contain at least 25% by weight, in some cases at least 3% by weight, in other cases at least 40% and in some cases at least 50% by weight of the swellable polymer matrix. An interpolymer of a polyolefin with a vinyl aromatic monomer polymerized on the spot. The amount of interpolymer of polyphosphorus and % polymerized ethene monomer in the swellable polymer matrix can be any value or range between any of the above values of 120823.doc -21 - 200812801. When other swellable polymers are included in the swellable polymer matrix, other expandable polymers may be at least 1% 'in some cases at least 5%' in the case of swellable polymer I in other cases At least 1% below, in some cases at least 20% and in other cases at least 25%. Also, other swellable polymers may be up to 75% by weight of the swellable polymer matrix, in some cases up to 7 Å/〇, in other cases up to 60% and in some cases up to 5% The amount is present in the swellable polymer matrix. The fluorene polymer can be included in the expandable polymer matrix in any amount or range between any of the above values. The embodiment of the load bearing structure according to the present invention is shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 2 shows that the load bearing structure 8 comprises an expanded polymer matrix core 1Q having an overall shape of a rectangular laminate having an edge 12 and a beveled edge. The width Μ can be from 1 to 25 cm, in some cases from 2 to 2 〇 cm and in other cases from 2.6 to 15 cm. The core 10 has a top layer 16 which may be of a length of or even cm, in some cases 9 〇 to 14 〇em, and in other cases to 1 part, and a width of 65 to 140 cm, in some cases 80 to 13〇em, and in other cases 90 to 120 cm forty. The bottom layer 18 of the core 1 includes struts 20-28, and the struts 20-28 extend from the bottom layer 18 to a length of 8 to 15 em, and in some cases 9 to 13 cm. The struts 20-28 and the bottom layer 18 define spaces 42, 44, 46 and 48 adjacent the rim 12. The spaces 42, 44, 46, 48 separate the struts 26_28, the struts, the 23 26 ' struts 20-22' and the struts 22, 25, 28 from the rims 12, respectively. In an embodiment of the invention, the spaces 42, 44, 46, 48 are adapted to pick up the tongue of the 120823.doc -22-200812801 nano-stack. As a non-limiting example, the first tongue of the stacker can be placed below the bottom layer 18 and along the bottom layer 18 between the struts 20 and the struts 23, the struts 21 and the struts 24, and/or the length between the struts 22 and the struts 25. The second tongue of the stacker can be below the bottom layer 18 and along the bottom layer 18 between the strut 26 and the strut 23, between the strut 27 and the strut 24 and/or between the strut 28 and the strut 25 Place. As the stacker lifts the first tongue and the second tongue, the surface of each tongue contacts the surface of the bottom layer 18 and serves to lift the load bearing structure 8 and any items stacked on the top layer 16. Since the core 10 is made of the above expanded polymer matrix, it has sufficient structural strength to serve as a load supporting platform. In order to provide the desired surface finish and/or texture and/or minimize wear due to repeated use, the top layer 16 and (as appropriate) edge 12 may be coated with a suitable layer of material. Suitable layer materials that can be coated include rubber modified styrenic polymers; polyamines such as nylon; polypropylene; polyethylene; and combinations thereof. The density of the polymer matrix φ expanded in the core 10 may be at least 5 kg/m3, in some cases at least 1 〇kg/m3 and in other cases at least 15 kg/m3, and may be up to 40 kg/m3, In some cases up to 35 kg/m3 and in other ▲ cases up to 30 kg/m3. • In an embodiment of the invention, the density of the expanded polymer matrix in the core 1 对应 corresponding to the portion closest to the spaces C, 44, 46, 48 is higher than the polymer matrix expanded in the remainder of the core (7) Density. This feature helps prevent stress cracking at the thinnest portion of the load bearing structure 8. The load bearing structure can be prepared by heating the beads of the expandable 120823.doc -23-200812801:-containing matrix using a heating medium such as steam. Depending on the desired density in any P-knife of the load-bearing structure, the beads are expanded to 5 to 丨〇(), in some cases 〇 to 90 in other cases 20 to 80, in some cases 30 to 75 and /, he h open y 40 to 70 expansion ratio (expanded bead volume / initial bead volume ratio). The beads of the expandable polymer matrix according to the present invention can be formed into a load bearing structure to be configured by pre-expanding the beads and further expanding and shaping them in the mold cavity. The resulting load bearing structure can have superior thermal stability, chemical resistance (e.g., oil resistance) and comparable flexural strength to an Eps pallet. In an embodiment of the invention (not shown), a groove or channel may be molded or cut into the surface of the top layer 16 such that the groove or channel is along the perimeter of the topsheet 6 and the groove or channel An edge is spaced from the edge 12. The spacing of the grooves or channels from the edge 12 can be at least i cm, in some cases at least 2 and can be up to 10 cm, and in some cases up to 8 em. The grooves or channels can be continuous or discontinuous. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the grooves or channels have been adapted to receive the width and depth of the foam panel. The foam panel may form an angle or arc to conform to the corner portion of the top layer 16 just above one of the posts 20, 22, 28 and/or 26. Alternatively, the foam panel may begin above the struts 20 along the sides of the top layer 16 and over the struts 22, beginning over the struts 22 and ending above the struts 28, starting from above the struts 28 and ending above the struts %, and/or Starting from above the strut 26 and ending above the strut 2〇. The length of the panel will conform to the dimensions of the load bearing plate 8 as described above. 120823.doc • 24 - 200812801 The panel height can be at least 5 cm, in some cases at least 1 〇 coffee, and in some cases at least 15 cm, and can be up to 45 〇, in some cases up to 4 〇 〇Cm, in other cases up to 350 cm, and in some cases up to 310 cm. The panel height can be any value or range between any of the above values. In another embodiment, a top panel can be included that roughly matches the width and length of the load bearing structure 8. The top panel includes a matching top layer 16

The groove or channel of the groove or channel is adapted to receive the top surface of the panel. When assembled, the load bearing structure, panel and top panel form a box or open box structure. A buckle or suitable fastener can be used to secure the panel to the structure. Alternatively, a shrink wrap can be applied around the outer perimeter of the box or open box structure to secure the component in place. In an embodiment of the invention, the top panel may be a load bearing structure 8 that includes a recess or channel along the struts 2, 21, 22, 25, 28, 27, 26 and/or The corresponding bottom surface of 23 passes through. In another embodiment of the invention, the panel and top panel can be made from the expandable polymer matrix described herein. In another embodiment of the invention, the panel and top panel are made of one or more other expandable polymers as described above. The panels and/or the top panels prevent the articles placed on or stacked on the top layer 16 from sliding or otherwise leaving the top surface when the load bearing structure 8 is moved. The invention has been described with reference to the specific details of the specific embodiments of the invention. It is not intended that such details be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention. 120823.doc •25- 200812801

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a load bearing platform according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a load bearing flat according to the present invention: [Main component symbol description] 8 load bearing structure/load bearing flat 10 expanded polymer matrix core/core 12 Edge 14 Width 16 Top 18 18 Bottom 20 Pillar 21 Pillar 22 Pillar 23 Pillar 24 Pillar 25 Pillar 26 Pillar 27 Pillar 28 Pillar 42 Space 44 Space 46 Space 48 Space Perspective View of the Base Perspective: and 120823.doc - 26 -

Claims (1)

200812801 X. Patent Application Range: l A load bearing platform comprising a base and a plurality of struts extending from one side of the pedestal, wherein the load bearing platform comprises an expandable polymer matrix, the swellable polymer matrix An interpolymer comprising a polyolefin and a vinyl aromatic monomer polymerized on the spot. 2. The load bearing platform of claim 1, wherein the swellable polymer matrix comprises other swellable polymers. 3. The load bearing platform of claim 1, wherein the polyolefin is selected from the group consisting of low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene/propylene copolymer, polyethylene, and Polypropylene Admixture 1 Ethylhydrazine and Ethylene/Acetate Ethyl Chloride from a Copolymer and a Blend of Polyethylene and Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Ethylene-Butyl Acrylate Copolymer, Ethylene-Methyl A group of methyl acrylate copolymers and combinations thereof. 4. The load bearing platform of claim 1, wherein the vinyl aromatic monosystem is selected from the group consisting of styrene, alpha methyl styrene, ethyl styrene, styrene, ethylene, ethylene A group consisting of benzene, vinyl benzene, and isopropyl benzoquinone and their hybrids. 5. If requested! a load supporting platform, wherein the polyolefin is present in the interpolymer resin particles in an amount of from 20 wt% to 80 wt% by weight of the particles of the inter-substance resin, and the vinyl groups The aromatic monomer or the resulting polymer is present in the interpolymer resin particles in an amount of from 2 〇G/❶ to 8〇% by weight of the particles of the interpolymer resin. 6. The load bearing platform of claim 1, wherein the expandable polymer matrix comprises a blowing agent and/or a plasticizer. 120823.doc 200812801 The load bearing platform of claim 2, wherein the other expandable polymerizations are selected from the group consisting of expandable polystyrene; expandable polyolefin; rubber-modified styrenic polymer, wherein The styrene polymerization 2 in the resin constitutes a continuous phase and the rubber constitutes a dispersed phase; a rubber-modified styrenic polymer in which the rubber constitutes a continuous phase and the stupid oxime polymer Forming a dispersed phase; polyphenylene ether; and combinations thereof and blends. The load bearing platform of claim 2, wherein the expandable polymer comprises from 25 to 99% by weight of the expandable polymer matrix of an interpolymer of a polyolefin and a vinyl aromatic monomer polymerized on the spot The swellable polymer matrix is from 1 to 75% by weight of other swellable polymer. A load bearing platform according to claim 2, wherein the load bearing platform has a rectangular shape and has one edge of 1 to 25 cm, a length of 75 to 150 cm, and a width of 65 to 140 cm. 1) A load bearing platform of claim 1 comprising a layer of material applied to a top layer of the platform. 11. The load bearing platform of claim 1, wherein a continuous or discontinuous groove or channel is molded or cut into a surface of one of the top layers of the base such that the groove or channel is along the top layer A perimeter and a first edge of one of the grooves or channels is spaced from an outer edge of the base. 12. A load bearing platform as claimed in item π, comprising a plurality of panels adapted to fit the groove or channel. 13. The load bearing platform of claim 12, comprising a top panel that matches the width and length of the load bearing structure and includes a 120823.doc 200812801 that mates with the groove or channel in the top layer The grooves or channels are adapted to receive a top surface of one of the panels to form a box or open box structure. 14. A load bearing platform comprising a base and a plurality of struts extending from one side of the pedestal, wherein the load bearing platform comprises a swellable polymer matrix comprising a rubber modified A styrenic polymer in which the rubber constitutes a continuous phase and the styrenic polymer constitutes a dispersed phase. 15. The load bearing platform of claim 14, wherein the styrenic polymers are selected from the group consisting of styrene, alpha-methyl phenethyl hydrazine, ethyl styrene, chlorostyrene, bromostyrene, ethyl fluorenyl Residues of the polymerization of a vinyl aromatic monomer of the group consisting of toluene, vinylbenzene, and isopropyl xylene and mixtures thereof. 16. The load bearing platform of claim 14, wherein the elastomeric polymer is selected from the group consisting of one or more co-diene and one or more unsaturated nitriles, one or more polar monomers, an unsaturated carboxylic acid. Copolymer composition of a base ester, an alkoxyalkyl ester of an unsaturated carboxylic acid, a acrylamide, a methacrylamide, a substituted acrylamide, a vinyl chloride, an aromatic vinyl monomer, and a combination thereof Group. 17. The load bearing platform of claim 14, wherein the expandable polymer matrix comprises a blowing agent and/or a plasticizer. 18. The load bearing platform of claim 14, wherein the load bearing platform has a rectangular shape and has an edge of 1 to 25 cm, a length of 75 to 150, and a length of 65 to 140 cm. a width. 19. The load bearing platform of claim 14 comprising a layer of material applied to a top layer of the platform. 120823.doc -4-