Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing a modified olefin polymer in an extruder having a feed zone, a melting zone, optionally a mixing zone and optionally a die zone, (A) introducing a stream of an olefin polymer into the feed zone of the extruder; (B) introducing a stream of a free radical generator directly into the feed zone or the melting zone or the mixing zone, if present, of the extruder; (C) introducing a stream of a functionally unsaturated compound directly into the feed zone or the melting zone or the mixing zone, if present, of the extruder; (D) extruding the mixture in the extruder at a temperature which is greater than the decomposition temperature of the free radical generator and the melting temperature of the olefin polymer but less than the decomposition temperature of the olefin polymer thereby producing the modified olefin polymer in the extruder; and, optionally, (G) passing the melt of the modified olefin polymer through the die zone to a pelletiser.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing a modified olefin polymer in an extruder having a feed zone, a melting zone, optionally a mixing zone and optionally a die zone, (A) introducing a stream of an olefin polymer into the feed zone of the extruder; (B) introducing a stream of a free radical generator directly into the feed zone or the melting zone or the mixing zone, if present, of the extruder; (C) introducing a stream of a functionally unsaturated compound directly into the feed zone or the melting zone or the mixing zone, if present, of the extruder; (D) extruding the mixture in the extruder at a temperature which is greater than the decomposition temperature of the free radical generator and the melting temperature of the olefin polymer but less than the decomposition temperature of the olefin polymer thereby producing the modified olefin polymer in the extruder; and, optionally, (G) passing the melt of the modified olefin polymer through the die zone to a pelletiser.

Abstract: Process for extracting polyhydroxyalkanoates from the cell material of microorganisms by adding an organic solvent for the polyhydroxyalkanoate which is immiscible with water and which has a boiling point of below 100.degree. C., and, if appropriate, by adding water; stirring the resulting extraction mixture, if appropriate with refluxing; separating off the aqueous phase which contains the cell material in undissolved form from the organic phase; and injecting the organic phase into hot water, causing the dissolved polyhydroxyalkanoate to precipitate and the organic solvent to evaporate, and also isolating the precipitated polyhydroxyalkanoate flocs.