An expansion temperature tolerant, dry, expandable sealant and baffle is
provided which is capable of undergoing a desired degree of full expansion
when an automobile body containing the sealant and baffle product is
conveyed through a conventional bake and/or curing oven. The sealant and
baffle product is fully expandable over a wider temperature and time range
than heretofore available expandable baffle products. The composition for
preparation of a molded expandable sealant and baffle component includes a
grafted anhydride polymer, an epoxide terminated additive polymer which
are capable of reacting with the grafted anhydride polymer and a blowing
agent. The anhydride polymer and the epoxide terminated polymer react to a
limited degree in the absence of a catalyst when the baffle product is
heated in the bake and/or curing oven, thus providing an improved
networked and bridged backbone polymer which effectively entraps gas
emanating from the blowing agent, without adversely affecting the
flexibility and expansion characteristics of the sealant baffles.