| abstract |
Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products are provided containing a foamable polymeric material, at least one blowing agent, a polystyrene / polyethylene oxide copolymer, and optionally, an infrared attenuating agent. In exemplary embodiments, the blowing agent includes at least one hydrocarbon blowing agent. The maleic anhydride-styrene copolymer grafted with polyethylene oxide provides a water vapor permeability of 1.1 more in the extruded foam product without damaging the physical or thermal properties of the product. Additionally, the maleic anhydride-styrene copolymer grafted with polyethylene oxide has a positive effect on the processability of the blowing agents in the composition using the process window and improving the solubility of the blowing agent in the polymeric melt. Thus, the polystyrene / polyethylene oxide copolymer present in the composition of the invention acts as a cellular enlarger, a plasticizer, a processing aid. A method for forming an extruded foam product is also provided. |