Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a solar cell layer having a front side for receiving light and an opposite back side, and an encapsulant layer on at least the front side of the solar cell layer. The encapsulant layer comprises a lithium ionomer for increasing the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the cover comprises a blend of at least one olefinic ionomer and a terpolymer, said terpolymer comprising a first monomeric component comprising an olefinic monomer having from about 2 to about 8 carbon atoms, a second monomeric component selected from unsaturated acrylate class ester having from about 2 to about 18 carbon atoms; and, a third monomeric component comprising at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of carbon monoxide, anhydride monomers and monomers having a structure according to the following formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or a linear chain or branched chain alkyl group of from about 1 to about 18 carbon atoms and R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of linear chain or branched chain alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted carbocyclic and substituted aryl groups containing an epoxy, i.e., glycidyl moiety.

Abstract: New Ionomer compositions which have improved moldability and improved high temperature behavior are based on ionomer polymerized at normal pressures but lower than normal temperatures. The compositions may be blends with standard ionomer, particularly if the low-temperature-prepared ionomer is prepared at very low temperatures which reduces productivity compared with standard ionomer, or useful alone when prepared at intermediate temperatures.

Abstract: Ionomer resins made by neutralizing acid copolymers with a high melt index, corresponding to a relatively low molecular weight, but which have been relatively highly neutralized, can be used, either alone or in blends with other ionomers, as materials for golf ball covers, without loss of key properties for that application. The materials have better flow and better processability than conventional ionomeric materials used for golf balls.

Abstract: A method of protecting metals against corrosion involves applying to the metal a thermoplastic coating based on copolymers of ethylene with a glycidyl comonomer, optionally containing a filler such as zinc powder or flake. The method may involve use of the coating alone, or as a primer coating with an outer coating of an olefin-based polymer.

Abstract: Ionomers derived from ethylene/methacrylic acid or ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers, containing high levels of acid neutralized with lithium, zinc and sodium are blended in defined amounts to form compositions with very high resilience. The compositions are highly suitable for use as golf ball covers.

Abstract: Blends of polyvinyl chloride with E/X/Y terpolymers, in which X is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 n-alkyl acrylate and Y is CO or SO.sub.2, the terpolymers having a swelling ratio of no more than 2.14, can be calendered into smooth sheets, which are suitable for use in such applications as instrument panel skins, pond liners, roofing membranes, etc.

Abstract: Adhesives suitable for preparing laminates of polyvinyl chloride or polyvinyl chloride copolymers with wood or metal are prepared from a three component polymer mixture of polyvinyl chloride or its copolymers itself, a direct ethylene copolymer and another direct ethylene copolymer containing units derived from a monomer containing glycidyl units. The adhesive is especially useful for preparing PVC/wood laminates which are subject to outdoor weathering.

Abstract: Adhesives suitable for preparing laminates of polyvinyl chloride or polyvinyl chloride copolymers with wood or metal are prepared from a three component polymer mixture of polyvinyl chloride or its copolymers itself, a direct ethylene copolymer preferably containing units derived from carbon monoxide, and another direct ethylene copolymer containing units derived from a monomer containing glycidyl units. The adhesive is especially useful for preparing PVC/wood laminates which are subject to outdoor weathering.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions useful in the manufacture of one-, two- and three-piece golfballs comprising blends of a copolyetherester or copolyetheramide, an expoxy-containing compound, and an acid-containing ethylene copolymer ionomer.

Abstract: Terpolymers of various amounts of polymer repeat units of ethylene, ethyl acrylate, and carbon monoxide are intimately admixed with acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS) resin to form a blend with a flex modulus of at least 1700 MPa. The resulting blend has enhanced impact strength properties over the resin alone. Such blends are useful as molding resins. The process for preparation of the blend involves admixing the terpolymer with the ABS resin.

Abstract: An improvement in the process for the continuous copolymerization of ethylene with carbon monoxide and optionally certain polar comonomers having reactive double bonds, wherein a single phase is maintained in the reactor by means of acetone introduced concurrently with the reactants, whereby reactor fouling is significantly reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Terpolymers of various amounts of polymer repeat units of ethylene, acrylate ester, and carbon monoxide are intimately admixed with acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS) resin to form a blend with a flex modulus of at least 1700 MPa. The resulting blend has enhanced impact strength properties over the resin alone. Such blends are useful as molding resins. The process for preparation of the blend involves admixing the terpolymer with the ABS resin.

Abstract: A low pour point crude oil composition is prepared by incorporating in a waxy crude oil an effective pour point depressant amount of an oil soluble ethylene-acryonitrile copolymer or terpolymer. The copolymer or terpolymer is usually added as a solution. In one aspect the invention relates to the pipeline transportation of the low pour crude oil composition.

Abstract: Ionomers of ethylene, unsaturated carboxylic acid and softening comonomer, e.g. alkyl acrylate and/or alkyl vinyl ether having improved low temperature properties are obtained by direct or graft copolymerization at a temperature of from about 100.degree. to about 200.degree. C., followed by neutralization of the carboxylic acid groups with metal ions, such ionomers being characterized by a low level of chain branching of up to about 5.5 chain branches/1000 backbone methylene units.

Abstract: Melt-processible blends of aluminum ionomers of ethylene/unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymers and thermoplastic resins or elastomers are obtained by mixing the ethylene/acid copolymer and the thermoplastic resin or elastomer and simultaneously or subsequently neutralizing from about 1 to about 100% of the carboxylic acid groups of the ethylene copolymer with aluminum ions.

Abstract: A blend of a copolymer of ethylene and at least one other organic monomer X capable of being polymerized to a homopolymer having a glass transition temperature of less than about -20.degree. C. with a homopolymer or copolymer of vinyl chloride, filled with mica, which constitutes about 20-90% of the total weight of the composition, is suitable for the manufacture of noise reduction or vibration damping articles. These compositions are especially suitable for continuous use under harsh environmental conditions, for example, at high temperatures as well as at subzero .degree.C. temperatures.

Abstract: Ionomers of ethylene, unsaturated carboxylic acid and softening comonomer, e.g. alkyl acrylate and/or alkyl vinyl ether having improved low temperature properties are obtained by direct or graft copolymerization at a temperature of from about 100.degree. to about 200.degree. C., followed by neutralization of the carboxylic acid groups with metal ions, such ionomers being characterized by a low level of chain branching of up to about 5.5 chain branches/1000 backbone methylene units.

Abstract: A thermoplastic, melt-processible, elastomeric composition based on partially crosslinked compatible blends of an ethylene copolymer and a vinyl or vinylidene halide polymer.

Abstract: Blends of linear polyolefin, reinforcing fiber, and acid copolymer of .alpha.-olefin and .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid are provided wherein the acid copolymer has from 0 to about 90 percent of the acid groups ionized by neutralization with metal ions. Such blends having high heat distortion temperature, excellent Izod impact values and fast molding cycles are particularly suitable as molding resins.