Abstract: The present invention relates to elastic articles comprising a crosslinked or crosslinkable ethylene polymer and a method for making the same. In particular, the invention relates to a shaped article (e.g. film or fiber) characterized by improved elasticity at elevated temperatures and comprising a substantially cured, irradiated, or crosslinked (or curable, irradiated or crosslinkable) homogeneously branched ethylene polymer. The improved elastic article of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in applications where good elasticity must be maintained at elevated temperatures such as, for example, personal hygiene items and disposable infection-control garments at body temperatures of about 100° F. (38° C.).

Abstract: A curable resin composition comprises a poly(arylene ether), an acryloyl monomer, an allylic monomer, and an abrasive filler. The composition tolerates high filler contents, cures rapidly, and exhibits excellent toughness after curing. Useful articles prepared from the composition include grinding wheels and cut-off wheels having good wear characteristics.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides an energy efficient polymerization method comprising irradiating a polymerizable composition and a photoinitiator with a source of essentially monochromatic radiation where the photoinitiator and the wavelength of the radiation source are selected such that the extinction coefficient of the photoinitiator at the peak wavelength of the source is greater than about 1000 M−1 cm−1 and such that the photoinitiator absorbs at least two percent of the actinic radiation incident on the coating. In another aspect the invention provides energy efficient methods of polymerizing polymerizable compositions and crosslinking crosslinkable compositions by irradiating the respective compositions with a low power source of essentially monochromatic radiation. The low power energy sources have an input power of less than about 10 W/cm.

Abstract: A process using acrylate monomers and ultraviolet light permits modification of porous polymeric materials without the use of a free radical initiator is described as is the material so modified. The modified polymeric material exhibits new properties such as wetability and advantageous flow characteristics that are useful in filtration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a heat-resistant elastic article and a heat-resistant elastic article. The invention especially relates to a method of making elastic fibers and polymeric elastic fibers wherein the elastic fibers are capable of withstanding dyeing and heat-setting processes that typically are conducted at elevated temperatures (such as 110-230° C. and especially at greater than or equal to 130° C. for minutes). The inventive method comprises radiation crosslinking an article (or plurality of articles) under an inert or oxygen limited atmosphere (for example, in N2, argon, helium, carbon dioxide, xenon and/or a vacuum) wherein the article (or articles) comprises at least one amine stabilizer and preferably another optional stabilizer additive. More preferably, the radiation crosslinking is performed at a low temperature (−50 to 40° C.).

Abstract: The present invention provides a fully vulcanized powdery rubber having a particle size of from 20 to 2000 nm, its preparation and use. The vulcanized powdery rubber is obtained by irradiating a rubber latex having a particle size of from 20 to 2000 nm with a high-energy irradiation. The vulcanized powdery rubber is very easily to be dispersed into various plastics, and thus can be mixed with various plastics to prepare toughened plastics and fully valcanized thermoplastic elastomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire tread comprising a crosslinkable rubber composition which comprises at least one emulsion copolymer of styrene and butadiene and to a process for improving the wear resistance of such a tread. The invention applies to a tread comprising a majority proportion of a reinforcing white filler as reinforcing filler. A tire tread according to the invention includes a crosslinkable rubber composition which comprises at least one elastomeric emulsion copolymer of styrene and butadiene and a reinforcing filler having a major proportion thereof being a reinforcing white filler. The reinforcing white filler is present in the composition in a quantity of greater than or equal to 40 phr. This composition is such that the copolymer comprises an emulsifier in an amount ranging from 1 to 3.5 phr (parts by weight per 100 parts of the elastomeric copolymer).

Abstract: Pre-expansion of expandable polystyrene (EPS) and other expandable polymer beads has long been carried out with heat of condensation from steam, which permeates the beads and deposits water droplets within expanding cells of each bead. Because long conditioning periods (to dry the pre-expanded beads) allow much of the blowing agent (e.g. pentane) to escape, the resultant pre-expanded beads often lack sufficient pentane to permit adequate final expansion when the pre-expanded beads are used to mold coffee cups and other articles. When conditioning periods are too short, excess water droplets often cause variations in bead fusing and even leaks in the molded product. The present invention avoids these long-standing problems by using a heated gas, such as air, to pre-expand the raw EPS beads through conduction only.

Abstract: This invention relates to rubber polymers based on polymerizable monomers and having an elevated gel content together with an elevated degree of swelling, to the production of the stated rubber polymers and to the use thereof for the production of moldings of all kinds.

Abstract: From an environmental viewpoint, it is desireable to cause degradation of expanded EPS beads and foam cups and other products formed from expanded EPS beads, which are composed of polystyrene and a blowing agent such as pentane. For this purpose, the present invention utlizes the pre-expansion step as an opportunity to initiate foam product degradation by treating the expandable polymer beads during their pre-expansion. The objective of this degradation treatment is to initiate degradation of at least the surfaces of individual beads during their pre-expansion and before they are molded into the final foam articles. For this purpose, a number of degradation treatment options are disclosed for application during bead pre-expansion, including heating the beads by circulation with heated air, admixture of the beads with ozone, aromatic ketones such as acetophenone and benzophenone, and metallic salts, as well as irradiation of the expanding beads with uv radiation (e.g of a wavelength of about 260 nanometers).

Abstract: Production of a dielectric coating on a substrate whereby a poly(arylene ethers) or fluorinated poly(arylene ethers) layer is cured by exposure to electron beam radiation. A wide area electron beam is used which causes chemical reactions to occur in the polymer structure which are thought to cause crosslinks between polymer chains. The crosslinks lead to higher mechanical strength and higher glass transition temperature, lower thermal expansion coefficient, greater thermal-chemical stability and greater resistance to aggressive organic solvents. The polymer layer may also be optionally heated, thermally annealed, and/or exposed to UV actinic light.

Abstract: Cross-linked electrically conductive polymers, in particular electrically conductive, polyaniline are described. Dopants and substituents having pendant cross-linkable functionality are used which form a cross-linked conducting polymer network. The cross-linking functionality can be hydrogen-bonding as well as chemically polymerizable or cross-linkable. A conjugated path between chains can also be incorporated. The resulting cross-linked conducting polymers have enhanced thermal and environmental stability. The dopant cannot readily be washed out with solvents or diffuse out upon exposure to heat. In addition, the cross-linked polymers have enhanced electrical conductivity.

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: Optical fiber primary coating systems are disclosed having excellent ribbon stripping and adhesion behavior. The coatings are radiation-curable. The excellent stripping and adhesion behavior can be inner primary coating composition having a slip enhancing component and a high modulus outer primary coating composition. Combination of means can be employed. Stripping behavior can be measured by crack propagation and fiber friction measurements.

Abstract: A process for decomposing a polymer which is capable of undergoing thermal depolymerization to its monomer or monomers, such as for example poly(methylmethacrylate), and for the recovery of at least one of the monomers, includes the steps of subjecting the polymer in solid, gel, partially molten or molten form to microwave heating for a time and at a temperature sufficient to decompose the polymer to produce the monomer or monomers in gaseous, liquid or solid form, without substantial decomposition of the monomer or monomers, and recovering at least one of the monomer or monomers. The monomer or monomers may then be reused for plymerisation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photodefinable dielectric composition comprising a photoinitiator and a polycyclic addition polymer comprising polycyclic repeating units that contain pendant silyl functionalities containing hydrolyzable substituents. Upon exposure to a radiation source the photoinitiator catalyzes the hydrolysis of the hydrolyzable groups to effect the cure of the polymer and adhesion of the polymer to desired substrates.

Abstract: Cross-linked electrically conductive polymers, in particular electrically conductive, polyaniline are described. Dopants and substituents having pendant cross-linkable functionality are used which form a cross-linked conducting polymer network. The cross-linking functionality can be hydrogen-bonding as well as chemically polymerizable or cross-linkable. A conjugated path between chains can also be incorporated. The resulting cross-linked conducting polymers have enhanced thermal and environmental stability. The dopant cannot readily be washed out with solvents or diffuse out upon exposure to heat. In addition, the cross-linked polymers have enhanced electrical conductivity.

Abstract: An ionic compound comprising at least one group A.sup.+ X.sup.-, comprising:a cationic group A.sup.+ selected from the group consisting of biaryliodonium, arylsulfonium, arylacylsulfonium, diazonium and organometallic cations comprising a transition metal complexed with at least one unsaturated cyclic compound comprising 4-12 carbon atoms, said cationic group being part of a polymer chain; whereinX.sup.- is an imide anion, [FSO.sub.2 NSO.sub.2 R'.sub.F ].sup.- or [R.sub.F CH.sub.2 OSO.sub.2 NSO.sub.2 R'.sub.F ].sup.- or [(R.sub.F).sub.2 CHOSO.sub.2 NSO.sub.2 R'.sub.F ].sup.-, or a methylide anion [FSO.sub.2 C(Q)SO.sub.2 R'.sub.F ].sup.-, or a [R.sub.F CH.sub.2 OSO.sub.2 C(Q)SO.sub.2 R'.sub.F ].sup.- or [(R.sub.F).sub.2 CHOSO.sub.2 C(Q)SO.sub.2 R'.sub.F ].sup.31 .

Abstract: The subject invention provides a thermoset elastomer comprising a crosslinked pseudorandom or substantially random interpolymer of: (a) from 15 to 70 weight percent of at least one .alpha.-olefin, (b) from 30 to 70 weight percent of at least one vinylidene aromatic compound, and (c) from 0 to 15 weight percent of at least one diene. The subject invention further provides a thermoplastic vulcanizate comprising the thermoset elastomers of the invention as provided in a thermoplastic polyolefin matrix. The subject invention further provides processes for preparing the inventive thermoset elastomers and thermoplastic vulcanizates, as well as parts fabricated therefrom. The inventive materials have a superior balance of properties, as compared to EPM and EPDM based materials. The subject invention also pertains to foams and methods for their preparation.

Abstract: A process for producing a copolymer of isoolefin having between 4 and 7 carbon atoms and para-alkylstyrene is provided. The process comprises admixing the isoolefin and the para-alkylstyrene in a copolymerization reactor under copolymerization conditions in the presence of a diluent, and a Lewis Acid catalyst, and maintaining the copolymerization reactor substantially free of impurities which can complex with the catalyst or copolymerize with the isoolefin or the para-alkylstyrene.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel sulfonium salt having at least one acid labile group attached to a phenyl group in a molecule and a normal, branched or cyclic C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkylsulfonate anion. The novel sulfonium salt is effective for increasing the dissolution contrast between exposed and unexposed areas. Upon exposure, it generates an alkylsulfonic acid which is a weak acid, minimizing the influence of side reaction and deactivation during PEB step. The sulfonium salt is useful in a chemically amplified positive resist composition which lends itself to fine patterning and features high resolution.

Abstract: A method for the solid phase preparation of an amine by a novel synthesis is described where a diol is monoalkylated with a chloromethyl resin followed by reaction with N,N'-carbonyldimidazole to afford a resin-bound tertiary-alkoxycarbonyl-imidazole which is subsequently N-alkylated and then sequentially treated with appropriate building blocks and reagents to afford a resin-bound amine which affords the desired amine after treatment with an acid as well as other valuable intermediates used in the process.

Abstract: Polyoxymethylene articles having a surface printable with an ultraviolet-curing ink are obtained by molding a polyoxymethylene and treating the molded article by ultraviolet irradiation, corona discharge, or electron-beam radiation until the surface has an X-ray photoelectron spectrum in which the ratio of the ?C--O!.sub.n bond peak at 302 eV to the C--C bond peak at 305 eV, i.e., the ?C--O!.sub.n bond peak/C--C bond peak ratio, is at least 2.5.

Abstract: A plate-shaped rubber member consists of at least one rubber mixture. The rubber member has a surface with markings and includes a pre-crosslinked layer directly below the surface at least in the area of the markings. The pre-crosslinked layer is generated by exposure of the surface of the rubber member to electromagnetic radiation or electron beam radiation.

Abstract: Blends of semi-crystalline polymers with rubbery thermoplastic copolymers are provided. The rubbery thermoplastic copolymers are elastic at temperatures above their Tg's and properties similar to thermoplastic elastomers and surface tensions 5 dynes/cm or more different, preferably greater than the surface tension of the semi-crystalline polymer. Improved properties include good elastic recovery, toughness, and high elasticity without significant loss in optical properties.

Abstract: Radiation-sensitive organo-halogen compounds that have a photo-labile halomethyl-1,3,5-triazine moiety and a polymeric moiety within the same molecule. The compounds of this invention are comprised of a polymeric moiety having attached or incorporated within its structure at least one 1,3,5-triazine nucleus, said triazine nucleus having at least one halomethyl substituent attached to a carbon atom of the triazine nucleus. These compounds are capable of being stimulated by actinic radiation at wavelengths of from about 250 to about 900 nanometers to generate free radicals and/or acids. The compounds of this invention are useful as photoinitiators in free radical polymerization reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions, or reactions sensitive to acid, and they also exhibit the capability to crosslink upon exposure to light.

Abstract: Only an outer surface of an unvulcanized rubber sheet is preliminarily crosslinked by irradiating an infrared ray or a far infrared ray to the unvulcanized rubber sheet prior to subsequent final vulcanization, whereby the occurrence of rubber spew and rubber flash is considerably suppressed at the vulcanization step.

Abstract: A process for the bromination of a copolymer of an isoolefin having from 4 to 7 carbon atoms and a para-alkystyrene comprising bromating the copolymer in the presence of bromine and a radical initiator thereby providing a brominated copolymer of the copolymer. The brominated copolymer is substantially free of ring bromine and backbone bromine.

Abstract: Disclosed are graft copolymers of polyolefins and a method of preparing the graft copolymers. The method includes irradiating a mass of olefin polymer particles and thereafter treating the mass of particles with a vinyl monomer in liquid form. A nonoxidizing environment is maintained throughout the process while free radicals produced in the olefin polymer by the irradiation are present, thereby preventing degradation of the polymer. In a final step, residual free radicals are deactivated, and any unreacted monomer is removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides positive-tone and negative-tone photoresists including a photoinitiator comprising a compound of Formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl; n is a number from 2 to 5, and An.sup.- is an anion. The photoinitiator comprising the compound of Formula (I) being soluble in water. Methods of preparing positive-tone and negative-tone photoresists are also provided.

Abstract: A high molecular weight compound having a number average molecular weight of 5,000 to 30,000 formed from a styrenic or acrylic monomer chain and a rubber chain which are attached as block or graft polymers. A photopolymerizable resin composition includes a copolymer having a number average molecular weight of 5,000 to 30,000. The copolymer has a styrenic or acrylic monomer chain and a rubber chain attached in block or graft form.

Abstract: A lithographic coating and method of framing a lithographic image are disclosed. The method comprises coating at least a portion of a surface of an article with a radiation-crosslinkable polymer, and exposing the coated surface to a pattern of radiation to crosslink the polymer in a lithographic image. The functionalized polymer is a copolymer of an isoolefin of 4 to 7 carbon atoms and para-alkylstyrene, wherein the para-alkylstyrene is functionalized with a radiation reactive group at the para-alkyl group of the para-alkylstyrene.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive having excellent heat resistance, comprising a photopolymerization product of a composition comprising;a) 100 parts by weight of a monomer mixture comprising from 70 to 100% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester having from 2 to 14 carbon atom on the average in the alkyl moiety and from 30 to 0% by weight of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer copolymerizable with the (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester,b) from 0.02 to 5 parts by weight of a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate as a crosslinking agent, andc) from 0.01 to 4 parts by weight of a photopolymerization initiator,wherein a content of the solvent-insoluble components is at least 60% by weight and a remaining amount of the unreacted monomers is less than 5,000 ppm.

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: A styrene-based polymer molding is obtained molding a styrene-based polymer having mainly syndiotactic configuration and then irradiating the molding thus obtained with electron rays. This molding is excellent in heat resistance and further inexpensive. Thus the molding is useful as a material required to have high heat resistance, such as a structural material, a food container material, a food wrapping material or an electric or electronic part material, particularly as an electric or electronic part material, because it is excellent in soldering resistance.

Abstract: A resist composition comprising a base resin, an acid release agent, and a dissolution inhibitor is improved in sensitivity and resolution when the base resin is typically selected from poly-t-butoxystyrene/poly-hydroxystyrene, poly-t-butoxystyrene/poly-p-methoxymethoxystyrene/polyhydroxystyrene, and poly-t-butoxystyrene/poly-p-methoxystyrene/polyhydroxystyrene copolymers. The composition forms a resist useful for the manufacture of LSI.

Abstract: A styrene-based polymer molding is obtained by molding a styrene-based polymer having mainly syndiotactic configuration and then irradiating the molding thus obtained with electron rays. This molding is excellent in heat resistance and further inexpensive. Thus the molding is useful as a material required to have high heat resistance, such as a structural material, a food container material, a food wrapping material or an electric or electronic part material, particularly as an electric or electronic part material, because it is excellent in soldering resistance.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable mixture is described which comprises a polymeric binder, a compound which is polymerizable by free radicals and has at least one polymerizable group and a photoreducible dye and a dicyclopentadienyl bis(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-titanium or -zirconium as photoinitiator. The mixture is suitable for producing printing plates and photoresists and is distinguished by particularly high photosensitivity, in particular in the visible region of the spectrum, and by very good thermal stability. It can be imaged in particular with laser radiation in the visible region.