Abstract: Radiation-curable powder compositions, usable as paint or varnish, which comprise a mixture of at least one semi-crystalline polyester containing end methacryloyl groups and of at least one acrylic copolymer containing ethylenically unsaturated groups, these polyesters comprising the reaction products of a glycidyl methacrylate and of a semi-crystalline polyester containing end carboxyl groups.

Abstract: An antibacterial bonding compositions for dental use, which comprises (A) an antibacterial primer that comprises an antibacterial polymerizable monomer having an ethylenic unsaturated group and at least one or more cationic groups selected from the group consisting of ammonium bases, pyridinium bases and phosphonium bases, and a volatile solvent, and(B) an adhesive composition comprising an acid group having polymerizable monomer, a polymerizable monomer, and a polymerization initiator; and an adhesive compositions for dental use, which comprises (P) an adhesive primer comprising an acid group having polymerizable monomer, a hydrophilic polymerizable monomer, and water, and (Q) a bonding agent comprising a polymerizable monomer, and an acylphosphine oxide compound and an &agr;-diketone compound both serving as a polymerization initiator.

Abstract: A radiation-curable composition in a liquid or solid form comprises at least one solid, non-crystalline radiation-transmissible material, dispersed in at least one cationic-curable or free-radical curable composition or mixture thereof. The solid, non-crystalline radiation-transmissible materials comprise glasses and other suitable materials that transmit (i.e., are transparent to) at least about 40% of radiation having a wavelength from about 180 to about 600 nanometers. The solid forms of the radiation-curable compositions of the invention are useful as powder coatings for coating decorative and functional objects and that would be cured by a thermal heating flow process followed by radiation exposure. The cured compositions of the invention are useful as coatings and inks for metal, paper, plastics, glass, ceramics, and wood, as adhesives, as sealants, and as composite materials and other articles and in biomedical and dental applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing foamed polyolefin-based plastics blocks by first crosslinking a matrix comprising a) from 51 to 97% by weight of one or more polyolefins, selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and ethylene copolymer, b) from 3 to 20% by weight of a foaming agent, using &bgr;-radiation of energy >6 MeV. The thickness of the matrix is from 25 to 45 mm. The radiation dose is from 20 to 150 kJ/kg. During the irradiation, atmospheric oxygen is at least substantially prevented from reaching the surface of the matrix. After crosslinking, the crosslinked matrix is foamed by heating to a temperature >160° C. and decomposing the blowing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to radiation curable compositions comprising at least one metallocene polyolefin. The radiation curable compositions are useful for a variety of applications, particularly as coatings and adhesives. The radiation curable composition may comprise a single metallocene polyolefin, or blend thereof. The ultraviolet curable compositions further comprise at least one photoinitiator and/or at least one photoinduced coupling agent. For pressure sensitive adhesive applications, the radiation curable composition also preferably comprises other ingredients such as a tackifying resins and plasticizers.

Abstract: A polymer blend having a high melt strength and a low Young's modulus after irradiation of the polymers contains (1) a propylene homopolymer or copolymer having an isotactic index of greater than 90 and (2) a propylene homopolymer or copolymer having a crystallinity of <24% made using a metallocene catalyst. The blend can be used for extrusion coating (including fabric coating), foam extrusion, blow molding, and thermoforming applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic polyolefin compositions having enhanced surface durability and products thereof which include a thermoplastic polyolefin base component at least one radiation-crosslinkable component present in an amount sufficient to enhance the surface durability of the thermoplastic polyolefin component when radiation-cured and at least one photoinitiator present in an amount sufficient to initiate crosslinking of the radiation-crosslinkable component upon exposure of the thermoplastic polyolefin composition to radiation.

Abstract: A method of treating reaction injection molded polyurethane, polyurethane/urea and polyurea polymers comprising exposing a reaction injection molded polyurethane, polyurethane/urea or polyurea polymer to an amount of infrared energy sufficient to increase the temperature of the polymer to at least 180° C., and then maintaining the temperature of the polymer at or above that temperature, for a time sufficient to increase the Gardner impact property, as measured using ASTMD-3029, when compared to the same polymer which has been heated to the same temperature and maintained thereat for the same time in a convection oven. The invention produces marked improvements in impact, heat sag and heat distortion temperature properties, and thus is particularly suited to rapid preparation of parts using a mass production conveyor and is particularly well-suited to preparation of parts which are to be subjected to later high temperature processes, such as the “E-coat” process.

Abstract: A high molecular weight polyethylene prepared by preliminary polymerization is added at the time of main polymerization of an olefin, for example, propylene, to prepare an olefin (co)polymer composition comprising the above high molecular weight polyethylene finely dispersed as fine particles in the polyolefin, such as polypropylene, and a cross-linked structure is formed in the olefin (co)polymer composition. This process can provide a modified olefin (co)polymer composition improved in the strength in a molten state in terms of melt tension or the like and in crystallization temperature and excellent in moldability such as high-speed producibility, and a molded modified olefin (co)polymer composition excellent in properties such as heat resistance and rigidity.

Abstract: A game ball comprising an ionomeric cover which includes a combination of ionomeric crosslinks and radiation induced covalent crosslinks. The game ball cover may include non-ionomeric materials. The game ball cover is superior in at least one of cut resistance and scuff resistance to a conventional cover that does not have the covalent crosslinks but is otherwise substantially identical in composition. The game ball cover of the invention is particularly useful for improving the durability of golf balls to be struck with sharp-grooved clubs.

Abstract: Compositions containing fluorinated thermoplastic elastomers with different moelcular weight and with different plastomeric phase/elastomeric phase ratio, essentially formed by: (a) 30-80% by weight, preferably 50-80%, of a fluorinated thermoplastic elastomer, having a block structure of A-B-A type, wherein A is a plastomeric segment and B is an elastomeric segment; (b) 10-50% by weight, preferably 20-40% of a fluorinated thermoplastic elastomer having a block structure of A-B-A type; (c) 0-30% by weight, preferably 0-15%, of a fluorinated plastomer preferably of the same kind as that contained in the component (a) and/or (b).

Abstract: A colored photosensitive composition is composed of a pigment composition, a binder polymer having an acidic group, a multi-functional monomer having at least two ethylenic unsaturated double bonds, and a photopolymerization initiator. The pigment composition is composed of an organic pigment, a dispersant, and an organic solvent. The dispersant is a copolymer of a polymerizable oligomer having an ethylenic unsaturated double bond in its terminal position and one or more monomers at least one of which has a nitrogen-containing group and an ethylenic unsaturated double bond.

Abstract: A cutable topcoat composition and apparatus useful for preparing stable data carrying devices, such as multi-layered laminates, and methods for preparing and using the composition. The composition includes a polymerizable composition and a polymeric binder. The polymerizable composition includes hard and flexible polymerizable subunits in a ratio that optimizes flexibility while retaining good adhesion and plasticizer resistance. In a preferred embodiment, a polymerization initiator is also included in the composition. Optionally, a chain transfer agent may also be added to the composition. The composition is substantially plasticizer free. The methods of using the composition include incorporating the composition into a topcoat film useful for storing the topcoat composition prior to use in preparing data-carrying devices, such as cards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions. The compositions comprise a poly(1-alkene) pressure-sensitive adhesive component, a non-pressure-sensitive adhesive component, and a radiation-activatable curing agent. The invention further provides pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes and methods for making the compositions and tapes.

Abstract: A cationically polymerizable pigmented composition comprising (A) a cationically polymerizable binder component containing at least one resin or compound selected from the group consisting of (A-1) a cationically polymerizable acrylic resin consisting of a copolymer of (a) a (meth) acrylic ester monomer having C.sub.6-31 aliphatic hydrocarbon group, (b) a polymerizable unsaturated monomer containing a polymerizable unsaturated group and at least one cationically polymerizable moiety selected from the group consisting of an epoxy group and an oxetane ring, and optionally (c) other polymerizable unsaturated monomer, and (A-2) a fatty acid-modified epoxy compound containing C.sub.6-32 aliphatic hydrocarbon group and epoxy group, (B) a cationic polymerization initiator initiating polymerization by irradiation or heating, and (C) a color pigment.

Abstract: Opaquely pigmented or thick filmed powder coatings for heat sensitive substrates, such as wood, wood composites, for example, medium density fiber board, and plastics, that can be fully cured, especially near the substrate, through the incorporation of a dual cure system in the powder comprising a thermal initiator, such as a peroxide, along with a UV initiator. The UV initiator cures the surface, while the thermal initiator cures at the substrate. Surprisingly, virtually no pregelation occurs during the heated melt and flow out step prior to UV curing. Consequently, the hardened film finish formed on the surface exhibits exceptional smoothness which is comparable to that of traditional UV curable powders. The hardened film finish is also fully cured throughout and exhibits exceptional adhesion to the substrate which cannot be achieved with traditional UV curable powders that have been pigmented.

Abstract: A curable topcoat composition and apparatus useful for preparing stable data carrying devices, such as multi-layered laminates, and methods for preparing and using the composition. The composition includes a polymerizable composition and a polymeric binder. The polymerizable composition includes hard and flexible polymerizable subunits in a ratio that optimizes flexibility while retaining good adhesion and plasticizer resistance. In a preferred embodiment, a polymerization initiator is also included in the composition. Optionally, a chain transfer agent may also be added to the composition. The composition is substantially plasticizer free. The methods of using the composition include incorporating the composition into a topcoat film useful for storing the topcoat composition prior to use in preparing data carrying devices, such as cards.

Abstract: Polymer systems having reversibly temperature-dependent radiation transmission which are crosslinked with radiation induction, a process for their production, and their use for reversibly temperature-dependent control of the radiation transmission of glazing systems and solar-energy devices.

Abstract: An energy beam curable pressure sensitive adhesive composition is disclosed which comprises at least two energy beam curable copolymers having energy beam polymerizable groups in side chains thereof. This energy beam curable pressure sensitive adhesive composition has satisfactory adhesive strength before the irradiation with energy beam and can be cured by the irradiation with energy beam to a degree such that the amount of adhesive residue remaining on an adherend after peeling is extremely small. Further, the above composition ensures excellent expansibility at the expanding step and excellent recognition at the time of pickup. Still further, the above composition exhibits high work efficiency because of very low pickup strength at the bonding step, irrespective of the execution of the expanding step.

Abstract: Aqueous developable photocurable compositions are provided. The compositions can be formed from a latex polymer and a rubber, and are water dispersible. The compositions are useful in forming flexographic printing plates.

Abstract: A water processable photopolymeric composition for use in the manufacture of flexographic photopolymer printing plates is disclosed. Preferably, the flexomer blend includes a flexomer having an affinity for water combined with a hydrophilic crosslinking agent, a nonhydrophilic crosslinking agent, a swell enhancing filler, a hydrophilic plasticizer, a compatibilizer and a surfactant. The compatibilizer aids the blending of the hydrophilic components with the flexomer blend.

Abstract: A propylene homopolymer having a stick-point of 30 cm or less during melt spinning, an oligomer content of less than 1500 ppm without postpolymerization treatment to remove oligomers, and a melt flow rate greater than 300 dg/min is prepared by radiation visbreaking in a multistage fluidized bed reactor. The polymer is subjected to irradiation in the substantial absence of oxygen, followed by a multistage treatment in the presence of a controlled amount of oxygen. The radiation visbreaking process can also be applied to other propylene polymer materials. The propylene polymer materials produced by this radiation visbreaking process can be used, for example, for extrusion coating, film production, and injection molding.

Abstract: The invention herein is a non-aqueous solvent free process for producing UV curable adhesive and sealant compositions comprising a tackifying resin and a monohydroxylated epoxidized polydiene polymer which is comprised of at least two polymerizable ethnically unsaturated hydrocarbon monomers wherein at least one is a diene monomer which yields unsaturation suitable for epoxidation and wherein the polymer contains from 0.1 to 7.0 milliequivalents of epoxy per gram of polymer. The process involves mixing the components with an insoluble photoinitiator under conditions of high shear and/or cavitation. The invention also relates to a film of 5 mils to one inch thick which is formed from the composition made according to the process above.

Abstract: A light sensitive composition comprising (a) a vinyl type polymer having a unit represented by the following Formula (1) and a carboxyl group, (b) a monomer, oligomer or polymer containing at least one polymerizable double bond in its molecule, (c) a photopolymerization initiator and (d) a polymerization inhibitor capable of trapping a radical, ##STR1##

Abstract: This invention relates to a photosensitive polymer composition containing as essential components (A) a soluble polymer, (B) a photopolymerizable compound having an ethylenic double bond in the molecule there of and (C) a photopolymerization initiator, the soluble polymer comprising a water-soluble polymer and an alcohol-soluble polymer, the composition having a sea-and-islands structure comprising sea containing the water-soluble polymer as a main component and islands containing the alcohol-soluble polymer as a main component, and the islands are independently in the form of sphere or oval having a diameter of 0.1 to 20 microns.The photosensitive polymer composition affords a printing plate having high image reproducibility and water-developability and capable of withstanding the coating of an aqueous polymer according to a printing method.

Abstract: A plastic foam material composed of a blended resin composition which includes at least two thermoplastic resins and a silane-modified based resin. The blended resin composition consists essentially of 100 parts by weight of at least two thermoplastic resins, from about 1 to about 50 parts by weight of a silane-modified, cross-linked, thermoplastic resin; from about 0.001 to about 2.5 parts by weight of a cross-linking catalyst for use in a silane compound and from about 1 to about 20 parts by weight of a foaming agent. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoplastic resins include at least two substantially incompatible and substantially uncross-linked thermoplastic resins, while in another embodiment the two thermoplastic resins need not be substantially incompatible. The blended resin composition may further include reinforcers such as glass fibers and filler. The thermodecomposition foaming agent decomposes at sufficiently high temperatures to yield a plastic foam material.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a liquid jet recording head comprising applying an active energy-curing resin composition onto at least a part of a surface of a first member for forming a wall of the liquid path; exposing the applied active energy-ray-curing resin to an active energy ray selected from the group consisting of an ultraviolet-ray having an intensity of 1 mW/cm.sup.2 to 100 mW/cm.sup.2 and an electron beam having an intensity of 0.5M Rad to 20M Rad; and providing a second member on the exposed active energy-ray-curing resin composition.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a liquid jet recording head comprising applying an active energy-curing resin composition onto at least a part of a surface of a first member for forming a wall of the liquid path; exposing the applied active energy-ray-curing resin to an active energy ray selected from the group consisting of an ultraviolet-ray having an intensity of 1 mW/cm.sup.2 to 100 mW/cm.sup.2 and an electron beam having an intensity of 0.5M Rad to 20M Rad; and providing a second member on the exposed active energy-ray-curing resin composition.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a liquid jet recording head comprising applying an active energy-curing resin composition onto at least a part of a surface of a first member for forming a wall of the liquid path; exposing the applied active energy-ray-curing resin to an active energy ray selected from the group consisting of an ultraviolet-ray having an intensity of 1 mW/cm.sup.2 to 100 mW/cm.sup.2 and an electron beam having an intensity of 0.5M Rad to 20M Rad; and providing a second member on the exposed active energy-ray-curing resin composition.

Abstract: Multiconstituent fibers prepared from two or more polymers, with at least one of these polymers being randomly dispersed through the fiber, in the form of domains. At least about 40 percent by weight of these domains have one length of at least 20 microns, measured in the direction along the fiber axis, and have another length, measured along the longest line dissecting the domain cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the fiber axis, of at least about 5 percent of the fiber equivalent diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyolefin composition comprising (A) an irradiated, normally solid, high molecular weight, amorphous to predominantly crystalline olefin polymer material and (B) a non-irradiated propylene polymer material or a mixture thereof with an olefin copolymer rubber.The polyolefin composition of this invention also provides improved retention of embossing definition commonly referred to as grain retention, when the composition is extruded and embossed, with or without subsequently thermoforming.

Abstract: Multiconstituent fibers having a dominant continuous linear low density polyethylene phase, and one or more discontinuous phase polymers, dispersed through the dominant continuous phase in the form of domains. The indicated discontinuous phases polymers are chosen from among polypropylene and poly(propylene-co-ethylene) copolymers.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable recording composition for water-washable printing plates, which comprises:(a) a water dispersible elastomeric blend of at least 20 percent by weight of an A-B-M-B-A block copolymer and an A-B-M block copolymer, wherein A is a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon block, B is a conjugated diene block and M is an acrylic monomer block containing acid groups, and(b) a photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a normally solid, high molecular weight, non-linear, substantially gel-free, propylene polymer material characterized by high melt strength due to strain hardening which is believed to be caused by free-end long chain branches of the molecular chains forming the polymer.Also disclosed is a process for making the polymer by high energy radiation of a normally solid, high molecular weight, linear, propylene polymer in a reduced active oxygen environment, maintaining the irradiated material in such environment for a specific period of time, and then deactivating free radicals in the material.Further disclosed is the use of the strain hardening polymer in extensional flow operations such as, for example, extrusion coating, film production, foaming and thermoforming.

Abstract: The invention relates to adhesive compositions comprising terpolymers C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 unsaturated .alpha.-olefin monomers, C.sub.2 to C.sub.5 .alpha.-olefin monomers and polyene monomers and an effective amount of photoactive cross-linking agent to cross-link composition upon radiation from a source of active radiation.

Abstract: A crosslinked adhesive composition is provided comprising a tackifying resin and an epoxidized diolefin block polymer wherein the polymer is crosslinked through at least some of the epoxy functionality. A process to prepare this polymer is also provided. The preferred polymer is partially hydrogenated and lightly epoxidized.

Abstract: There is disclosed an actinic-radiation-curing, hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, which comprises a mixture in a limited mixing ratio of an acrylic high-molecular-weight polymer that is made up of main chain having a molecular weight of 8,000 to 100,000 and a glass transition temperature of -75.degree. to -20.degree. C., and branched chain, in which the main chains and/or branched chains have or at least one ethylenically unsaturated group; and a low-molecular-weight polymer having a molecular weight of 500 to 8,000 and a glass transition temperature of lower than 100.degree. C., which polymer has or does not have an ethylenically unsaturated group in the molecule.

Abstract: Surface characteristics of a molded article formed by a composition comprising at least two kinds of engineering plastics and a functionalized polyolefin resin or a composition comprising the said composition and an inorganic filler or a rubbery substance incorporated therein can be improved without deteriorating such characteristics as rigidity, impact resistance, heat resistance, dimensional stability and moldability, by radiating an ultraviolet light not longer than 300 nm in wavelength to the molded article, the said functionalized polyolefin resin containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid group-, carboxylic ester group- or acid anhydride group-containing monomers, epoxy group-containing monomers, hydroxyl group-containing monomers, amino group-containing monomers, alkenyl cyclic iminoether derivatives and polyfunctional monomers.

Abstract: Photoresist formulations and coatings are provided which contain a polymer having pendant tetrazole-5-thione groups which upon exposure to ultraviolet light decompose to carbodiimides and thereby providing means for crosslinking the base polymer to provide high resolution and thermal stability.

Abstract: A hardenable resin composition comprising a reactive microgels having a functional group on a surface of each of fine particles of the microgels, produced by reacting fine microgel particles (A) synthesized from a monomer having a polymerizable double bond by emulsion polymerization using, as an emulsifier, a compound containing tertiary ammonium salt, with a compound (B) having, in the molecule, an epoxy group to react with the tertiary ammonium salt and at least one reactive functional group other than the epoxy group, and a resin.

Abstract: A process for producing crosslinked polyolefins having improved physical properties is disclosed. The process comprises irradiating a copolymer of alkenylsilane and olefins, or a mixture of this copolymer and thereof with a polyolefin devoid of alkenylsilane segments.

Abstract: An electrically conductive resist material is disclosed, comprising at least one polymer which is sensitive to ionizing radiation and a soluble electrically conductive oligomer or polymer. A process for producing the resist material is also described, comprising admixing an electrically conductive oligomer or polymer dissolved in a solvent to at least one polymer which is sensitive to ionizing radiation. The resist material is useful in preparing electron beam resists which prevent electrostatic charging and resultant electrostatic fields.

Abstract: UV-crosslinkable materials based on (meth)acrylate copolymers contain copolymerized monomers of the general formula I ##STR1## where R is a certain alkyl radical, an aryl radical or a radical R.sup.1 and R.sup.1 is a radical ##STR2## where R.sup.2 to R.sup.6 are each H, alkyl, a non-ortho OH group, OCH.sub.3, OC.sub.2 H.sub.3, SH, SCH.sub.3, Cl, F, CN, COOH, COO(C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 -alkyl), CF.sub.3, N(CH.sub.3).sub.2, N(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.2, N(CH.sub.3)C.sub.6 H.sub.5, .sup.+ N(CH.sub.3).sub.3 X.sup.- or .sup.+N(CH.sub.3).sub.X X.sup.-, where X.sup.- is an acid anion, and one or more of the radicals R.sup.2 to R.sup.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive compositions comprise one or more poly(alpha-olefin) homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, and tetrapolymers derived from monomers containing 6 to 10 carbon atoms and photoactive crosslinking agents. Radiation curing provides adhesive films having a superior balance of peel and shear adhesive properties. The pressure sensitive adhesive is useful in pressure sensitive adhesive tapes, in articles containing transfer adhesive films, and as the bonding material between supports in a laminated structure.

Abstract: Impact-modified polymeric materials are produced by visbreaking certain reactor blends. In a preferred embodiment, impact-modified polypropylene materials are produced by visbreaking a reactor blend of polypropylene and thermoplastic polyethylene. The polypropylene material is preferably homopolypropylene having a melt flow rate of less than about 1 dg/min. Such impact-modified polymeric materials manifest unexpected compatibility characteristics, increased impact resistance at low temperatures, improved antiblush characteristics and improved flow characteristics.

Abstract: The photosensitive resin composition comprises (a) a ternary copolymer of an ethylenically unsaturated amide, carboxyl-containing monomer and third monomer, (b) an esterified resin by the reaction of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and a novolactype epoxy resin, (c) a photopolymerizable monomer, (d) a photopolymerization initiator and (e) a powder such as a finely divided silica filler. The resist layer formed from the composition is capable of being developed with an alkaline aqueous solution and has excellent heat resistance in addition to other desirable properties when the patterned resist layer by the pattern-wise exposure to ultraviolet light and development is subjected to a heat treatment to effect thermal curing.

Abstract: Linear polyethylenes are added to crystal, clear transparent polystyrene to accelerate the degradation of polystyrene on exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Foamed products are prepared by subjecting a crosslinked polymer such as an ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymer susceptible to heating by high frequency electromagnetic radiation such as microwave or radio frequency which has been imbibed or impregnated with a suitable mechanical or physical blowing agent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon to sufficient high frequency electromagnetic radiation to cause foaming of the polymer.

Abstract: Foamed products are prepared by subjecting a crosslinked polymer such as an ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymer susceptible to heating by high frequency electromagnetic radiation such as microwave or radio frequency which has been imbibed or impregnated with a suitable mechanical or physical blowing agent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon to sufficient high frequency electromagnetic radiation to cause foaming of the polymer.

Abstract: Shaped articles are made from blends of rubber and plastic in which the rubber is in the form of discrete vulcanized particles dispersed in the plastic. After shaping the articles, they are exposed to free-radical crosslinking which converts the blends from thermoplastics to thermosets.