Abstract: Moisture and gas permeable ionomeric films are described. The films described herein are obtained from blends of ionomers with an organic acid salt in the amount of at least about 5 wt %, and have MVTR greater than films obtained from conventional ionomers. Particularly preferred are the potassium salts of stearic, oleic, isostearic, and isooleic acids. Films comprising a liquid-absorbent ionomer film layer and an impermeable layer are provided. The films are suitable for preparation of tubular casings and shrinkbags, in particular, casings for smoked foodstuffs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer precursor dispersion for use in making a polymer that is a solid at room temperature and further relates to a method of making same where the dispersion comprises a polymer precursor comprising an addition monomer, a condensation monomer, a prepolymer, or a polymer modifier and 0.01 to 50 weight percent of a micropulp having a volume average length of from 0.01 to 100 micrometers.

Abstract: Thermoplastics with high resilience (high coefficient of restitution) and softness (low Atti compressions) and their use in golf ball components. Melt-processible, highly-neutralized ethylene acid copolymers and process for making them by incorporating an aliphatic, mono-functional organic acid in the acid copolymer and then neutralizing greater than 90% of all the acid groups present.

Abstract: Disclosed are molded articles such as covers, mantles and cores for golf balls, one-piece thermoplastic golf balls, and heel counters and toe puffs for footwear, prepared from compositions comprising thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic carboxylic acid-based ionomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes and thermoset polyurethanes modified with micropulp produced from organic fibers. The compositions are tougher, stronger, and more scuff and abrasion resistant than typical ionomer compositions. Also disclosed are methods for making golf balls comprising said compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer precursor dispersion for use in making a polymer that is a solid at room temperature and further relates to a method of making same where the dispersion comprises a polymer precursor comprising an addition monomer, a condensation monomer, a prepolymer, or a polymer modifier and 0.01 to 50 weight percent of a micropulp having a volume average length of from 0.01 to 100 micrometers.

Abstract: Melt-processable, highly-neutralized ethylene, C3 to C8 &agr;,&bgr; ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymers and process for making them. Copolymers are made by incorporating a C4 to less than a C36 aliphatic, mono-functional organic acid and neutralizing greater than 90% to 100% of the acid groups present concurrently with or subsequently to the incorporation of the organic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed are golf balls having soft, resilient bimodal ionomeric covers with improved softness and scuff resistance and methods for their preparation. The soft, resilient bimodal ionomeric covers comprise at least partially neutralized mixtures of carboxylate functionalized terpolymers (molecular weight between about 80,000 and 500,000) with carboxylate functionalized ethylene low copolymers (molecular weight between about 2,000 and 30,000).

Abstract: Thermoplastics with high resilience (high coefficient of restitution) and softness (low Atti compressions) and their use in golf ball components. Melt-processible, highly-neutralized ethylene acid copolymers and process for making them by incorporating an aliphatic, mono-functional organic acid in the acid copolymer and then neutralizing greater than 90% of all the acid groups present.

Abstract: Ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid ionomers which have been modified with relatively low levels of a stearic acid moiety, particularly metal stearates and especially calcium stearate have improved resilience for a given level of hardness or PGA Compression values. The improvement is seen in bulk material when measurements are made on solid neat spheres. When used as cover material, the improvement is more manifest for softer material, and is less, or disappears, for typical mixed metal ionomer hard covers. The stearic-modified ionomers or ionomer blends are especially useful when the ionomer is formulated for use as a golf ball core, center, one-piece ball and as a soft golf ball cover. For covers, softer ionomer compositions will show an improvement.

Abstract: Thermoplastics with high resilience (high coefficient of restitution) and softness (low Atti compressions) and their use in golf ball components. Melt-processible, highly-neutralized ethylene acid copolymers and process for making them by incorporating an aliphatic, mono-functional organic acid in the acid copolymer and then neutralizing greater than 90% of all the acid groups present.

Abstract: Thermoplastic ionomer copolymers having high resilience (high coefficient of restitution) and softness (low Atti compressions) made by at least partially neutralizing ethylene/carboxylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers and their use in golf ball components. These soft, resilient ionomers can be blended, for example, with fatty acid salts.

Abstract: Thermoplastic ionomer compositions having high resilience (high coefficient of restitution) and softness (low Atti compressions) made by highly neutralizing ethylene/carboxylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers that have a high melt index and their use in golf ball components. These soft, resilient ionomers are also made by further melt neutralization or co-neutralization of the high MI ethylene/carboxylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers with an aliphatic, mono-functional organic acid of the acid copolymer and neutralizing to high level.

Abstract: Ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid ionomers which have been modified with relatively low levels of a stearic acid moiety, particularly metal stearates and especially calcium stearate have improved resilience for a given level of hardness or PGA Compression values. The improvement is seen in bulk material when measurements are made on solid neat spheres. When used as cover material, the improvement is more manifest for softer material, and is less, or disappears, for typical mixed metal ionomer hard covers. The stearic-modified ionomers or ionomer blends are especially useful when the ionomer is formulated for use as a golf ball core, center, one-piece ball and as a soft golf ball cover. For covers, softer ionomer compositions will show an improvement.

Abstract: Ionomers based on ethylene/unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymers are modified with from 0.5 to 15 weight percent adipic acid. The modified-ionomers have improved melt flow and melt processing behavior over unmodified ionomers having a comparable level of neutralization of acid groups present. Certain mechanical properties are improved, particularly stiffness, abrasion resistance and low temperature izod impact. The ionomers modified with adipic acid are in particular suitable for balata ball replacement when formulated as golf ball cover compositions and covers.

Abstract: Ionomers based on ethylene/unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymers are modified with from 0.5 to 15 weight percent adipic acid. The modified-ionomers have improved melt flow and melt processing behavior over unmodified ionomers having a comparable level of neutralization of acid groups present. Certain mechanical properties are improved, particularly stiffness, abrasion resistance and low temperature izod impact.