Abstract: The present invention provides a novel multi-arm block copolymer, a novel pressure-sensitive adhesive made from a multi-arm elastomeric block copolymer, and a novel tape made therefrom. The multi-arm block copolymer has the general structure (A-B).sub.m Y(C-D).sub.n wherein A, B, C and D are polymer segments; Y is a residue of a multifunctional coupling agent; and m and n are the number of arms, where m and n are greater than 0 and the sum of m plus n is at least 3. A comprises a random copolymer of a monoalkenylarene and a conjugated diene; B and C comprise either a homopolymer of a conjugated diene or a polymer of two or more conjugated dienes; D comprises either a homopolymer of a monoalkenylarene or a copolymer of a monoalkenylarene and a conjugated diene wherein the Tg of D is greater than the Tg of A; and the weight percent of monoalkenylarene in the block copolymer is 40% or less.

Abstract: A new tire sealant and inflator composition is described which utilizes a sealant having superior performance, presented in a water-based carrier, and with an inflator composition consisting of mainly dimethyl ether, modified by trichloroethylene and nitrogen gas. The composition comprises a terpolymeric latex sealant emulsion, prevented from coagulating or vulcanizing in the dispenser by the addition of additives, and made more potent by the inclusion of certain wood flours having selected particle size distributions. Other ingredients, such as propylene glycol, a surfactant, triethanolamine and ammonia, confer special attributes; for example, softening the wood flour particles and keeping them dispersed in the aerosol can, while causing them to pack down into a sealing matrix once added to a tire having a puncture.

Abstract: Crosslinkable aqueous-based coating compositions are described which are covalently bonded to a wooden surface to which they are applied. The compositions contain a crosslinkable polymer, a mono and/or polyethylenically unsaturated monomer which can be graft polymerized onto cellulose molecules present in said wooden surface, a water soluble peroxy free radical polymerization catalyst, a source of cations capable of creating free radical sites in said cellulose molecules and, optionally, a crosslinking agent for said crosslinkable polymer. The coating may be air dried under ambient conditions to provide a crosslinked coating which is chemically bonded to the underlying wooden surface.

Abstract: Method for preparing adhesive compositions subjecting a mixture of block polymer and other adhesive constituents e.g., resin(s) and oil(s) to shearing and smearing in an emulsifier disperser.

Abstract: Star polymers having polymeric arms of a hydrogenated conjugated diene and substantially smaller polymeric arms of an alkyl methacrylate are efficiently reacted with amines after preparation of a concentrate of the polymer in a lubricating oil to form a dispersant viscosity index improver.

Abstract: An air curing polymer composition is disclosed which contains acetoacetate functional polymer and an autoxidizable material. The composition cures on exposure to oxygen. One pack stable ambient curing compositions and a method of stabilizing acetoacetate functional groups to prevent hydrolysis are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel pressure-sensitive adhesives are described which show significant resistance to solvents and working fluids such as jet fuel, hydraulic fluid, de-icing fluid and the like. Adhesive compositions comprise nonaqueous dispersions of copolymers of acrylic monomers prepared in the presence of a vinyl-substituted fluoroalkyl siloxane having the general formula I and a macromonomeric stabilizer. The adhesives prepared from the adhesive compositions exhibit excellent adhesion to glass, aluminum, and low surface-energy materials such as fluoroalkyl siloxane elastomers.

Abstract: An adhesive composition suitable for wound dressing and other medical applications comprising a mixture of polyisobutylene and a rubber polymer selected from the group consisting of random styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and halobutyl rubber so as to form a rubbery elastomer base matrix, and at least one hydrocolloid. The addition of the SBR or halobutyl rubber to the elastomer base offsets the possible degradation of the polyisobutylene upon sterilization, and therefore, helps to maintain the integrity of the composition. Water soluble hydrocolloid gums and water swellable cohesive strengthening agents are dispersed within the base matrix and may carry a pharmaceutical agent to be dispensed directly to a wound site.

Abstract: A process for the modification of a (co)polymer selected from C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 .alpha.-olefin polymers, ethylene polymers, diene polymers and copolymers of C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 .alpha.-olefins with ethylene and/or diene, to make the (co)polymer more suitable for reinforcement with polymer reinforcing material is disclosed. In the process, the (co)polymer is contacted with an acid group-containing unsaturated peroxide to modify the (co)polymer. The modification process results in improved properties such as adhesion to PUR lacquer and improved mechanical properties.Also disclosed are a modification process carried out in the presence of an unsaturated coagent as well as the use of acid group-containing unsaturated peroxides for the modification of (co)polymers. Finally, the process may be carried out in a single processing step or in two or more successive processing steps.

Abstract: Crosslinkable aqueous-based coating compositions are described which are covalently bonded to a wooden surface to which they are applied. The compositions contain a crosslinkable polymer, a mono and/or polyethylenically unsaturated monomer which can be graft polymerized onto cellulose molecules present in said wooden surface, a water soluble peroxy free radical polymerization catalyst, a source of cations capable of creating free radical sites in said cellulose molecules and, optionally, a crosslinking agent for said crosslinkable polymer. The coating may be air dried under ambient conditions to provide a crosslinked coating which is chemically bonded to the underlying wooden surface.

Abstract: Polyolefin molding composition of high rigidity and hardnessA polyolefin molding composition essentially comprisinga) a polyolefin wax andb) a high-molecular-weight polyolefin or, instead of b),c) a high-molecular-weight olefin copolymer has high rigidity and hardness.In order to increase the impact strength, this molding composition may additionally be admixed with a rubber having a glass transition temperature of below -20.degree. C.

Abstract: Method for preparing adhesive compositions by dissolution of the block polymer component(s) thereof in a hot melt of the other adhesive constituents e.g., resin(s) and oil(s).

Abstract: Clusters of water-swellable polymer particles, having high rates of absorbency without gel-blocking are prepared by suspending water-swellable polymer particles in an inert hydrophobic liquid, such as hydrocarbon, and slowly adding to the particles a suspension of an aqueous solution optionally containing an .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated monomer in an inert hydrophobic liquid.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly, disposable, degradable and/or recyclable plastic articles are made from water soluble, miscible, high molecular weight, thermoplastic, polymeric resin blends that are comprised by weight of about 65% to 95% high molecular weight water soluble thermoplastic resin having an inverse solubility characteristic and about 35% to 5% of at least one of certain high molecular weight thermoplastic polymers that are functionally compatible (miscible) with the inversely soluble resin. The articles are insoluble when used for their intended purposes, but become soluble when exposed to tepid or cool water and degradable when buried in a land fill or compost. The inversely soluble resin comprises high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide). The compatible polymer is selected from the group consisting of Nylon 11, Nylon 12, polycaprolactone, polycaprolactone, polyethylene-co-acrylic acid, polyethylene-co-methacrylic acid, polyethylene-co-vinylacetate and polyethylene-co-vinylalcohol.

Abstract: Process for controlling the photodegradation of a film of polypropylene or propylene copolymers having a thickness of about 1.25 mils or less, by forming a composition comprising carbon black as the sole UV light absorbing staiblizer and comprising about 0.5% to about 2.4% by weight of the film, hindered amine light stabilizer for interrupting the free radical chain degradation mechanism and comprising about 0.02% to about 0.4% by weight of the film; and an impact modifier for enhancing the photodegradability of the film and comprising about 1% to 40% by weight of the film.

Abstract: This invention is a process for producing stable polymer emulsions and latexes with an average particle size of less than one micron. The polymers are block copolymers of conjugated dienes and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons which may or may not contain polar functionality. The process comprises making a polymer cement of the polymer and a blend of a solvent for the polymer and a cosolvent(s), emulsifying the polymer cement by adding it to an aqueous phase containing at least one surfactant and removing the solvent, cosolvent and excess water.

Abstract: A method for preparing a molded article of a crosslinked polyolefin which comprises the steps of bringing a composition comprising a copolymer of an alkenylsilane and an olefin and a compound having at least two unsaturated bonds into contact with a catalyst selected from the group consisting of salts of rhodium, alkoxy compounds and metallocene compounds of metals in the group IVa of the periodic table, combinations of the metallocene compounds and organic metal compounds, and then molding the composition, or carrying out the contact simultaneously with the molding, or molding the composition, and then bringing the molded article into contact with the catalyst, and if necessary, further heating the molded article to accelerate a crosslinking reaction.The molded article of the crosslinked polyolefin obtained by the method of the present invention has a high crosslinking density and is excellent in mechanical properties, solvent resistance and heat resistance.

Abstract: There are provided a pressure-sensitive adhesive and other compositions which free radical cured mixtures in which a halogenated hydrocarbon was present during free radical cure, of at least one unsaturated elastomeric polymer and at least one organic additive which is substantially nonresponsive to the action of free radicals and present in an amount sufficient to modify the properties of the cured elastomeric polymer.

Abstract: An adhesive is disclosed. The adhesive is a blend of a tackifier and a polymer, having an elastomeric main chain and incorporating thermoplastic macromonomer side chain grafts, which can exhibit enhanced shear thinning and allow spray application of the adhesive onto a substrate. In one embodiment, the polymer main chain comprises a polymer of an isoolefin having about 4 to about 7 carbon atoms and a para-alkylstyrene, and the side chains comprise a grafted macromonomer, such as a terminally functionalized polystyryl chain of very narrow molecular weight distribution, attached to the para-alkyl group of the para-alkylstyrene. In another embodiment, the polymer comprises a polyolefin main chain and a norbornene terminated macromolecule copolymerized to introduce the side chains.

Abstract: Molded products with improved dimensional stability and surface property can be obtained by in-mold curing of a polymerizable composition containing unsaturated urethane of a specified structure, alkyl (meth)acrylate, and a thermoplastic macromolecular compound capable of dissolving in or swelling by impregnating alkyl (meth)acrylate. These components are contained at specified weight ratio. The mold is initially at temperature 30.degree..about.120.degree. C. and the curing is effected in the presence of a radical initiator.

Abstract: Radiation-curable, tackifier-free compositions are provided which contain: (i) a blend of certain acrylate esters and monoethylenically-unsaturated copolymerizable monomers; (ii) certain .alpha.-olefin polymers; and (iii) a photoinitiator and optionally, a crosslinker. Pressure-sensitive adhesives having good adhesion to both low and high energy surfaces as well as possessing excellent low and high temperature performance properties are prepared by exposing the radiation-curable compositions to light having a wavelength in the range of from about 280 to 400 nm.

Abstract: A crystalline block copolymer containing at least a triblock or at least a radial structure and a process for producing the same, wherein at least one block comprising a vinyl aromatic compound having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of not lower than 50.degree. C., at least one block comprising a conjugated diene polymer having a 1,4-trans linkage content, a Tg not higher than 10.degree. C. and crystallinity at 25.degree. C. and in which the crystalline block copolymer optionally which contains the radial structure further comprises a coupling agent. The polymer or the composition containing the same can be utilized for fixing materials of affected portions for medical purposes, protector materials for various sports, films, laminates, toys, artificial flowers, heat-sensitive sensors, coupling devices, insulating materials, framework materials, etc.

Abstract: Polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene block copolymers, hot-melt adhesive compositions constituted of polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene block copolymers, and articles of manufacture produced therefrom. These copolymers possess blocks of high average molecular weight polystyrene (12,000 to 20,000) and low overall average molecular weight (60,000 to 110,000) such that when blended in requisite proportions with a compatible tackifier resin, preferably also a secondary tackifying resin or plasticizing oil, and stabilizer, superior hot-melt adhesive compositions can be formed. The hot-melt adhesive compositions possess, inter alia, superior heat resistance, superior static time to failure with low viscosity, good peel adhesion, good tack, and high ability to bond to a polyethylene or polypropylene substrate at temperatures below that which may damage the substrate.

Abstract: A reinforcing agent for vulcanizable rubber compounds comprises an anhydrous metal salt of an .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having a crystalline structure consisting essentially of plates and fibers. Vulcanizable rubber compounds containing such reinforcing agents have improved physical properties over rubber compounds containing conventional metal carboxylic acid salts. Methods for the preparation of such anhydrous metal salts and methods for the reinforcement of vulcanizable rubber compounds therewith are also provided.

Abstract: There are provided a pressure-sensitive adhesive and other compositions which free radical cured mixtures of at least one unsaturated elastomeric polymer and at least one organic additive which is substantially nonresponsive to action of free radicals and present in an amount sufficient to modify the properties of the cured elastomeric polymer.

Abstract: A cured composition possessing excellent cohesive strength at high temperatures along with excellent adhesion, shear strength and solvent resistance is prepared by the high energy ionizing radiation initiated curing of a polymer composition comprising an alkenyl arene/conjugated diene block copolymer and a oligomer such that the unsaturation index of the composition is minimized. The radiation initiated curing of the adhesive composition is accomplished without requiring the aid of a coupling agent to promote crosslinking of the block copolymer during exposure to the radiation.

Abstract: A gear oil composition is provided, the composition comprising a hydrogenated star conjugated diolefin polymer having arms with weight average molecular weights between about 3,000 and about 15,000. Such star polymers are effective as viscosity index improvers, and yet are sufficiently shear stable for service in gear oil lubricants.

Abstract: An aqueous photopolymer composition is produced by adding a monomer to a latex of a partially neutralized carboxylated acrylic copolymer, having an acid number greater than 80, along with photoinitator and components to produce an aqueous coatable and alkali developable photoresist composition. Preferred neutralization is 30-50% for dip-coating and 40-60% for screen-printing to produce 1 mil lines and 1 mil space after ultraviolet exposure and mild alkali development.

Abstract: An improved wet strength binder is prepared by a process in which interaction between an olefinic carboxylic acid monomer, such as itaconic acid, and a cross-linker, such as MAGME, is minimized.

Abstract: A flame-resistant non-drying putty composition is prepared by adding 2 to 20 parts by weight of an unvulcanized solid rubber, 10 to 50 parts by weight of a plasticizer, 300 to 800 parts by weight of a metal hydrate, 20 to 200 parts by weight of a foliated talc, and 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of an organic fiber to 100 parts by weight of one type of liquid resin having a viscosity of 5,000 to 200,000 centipoise at room temperature or a mixture of two or more types thereof and kneading the resultant mixture.

Abstract: A disposable diaper can be fastened securely around a person and be refastenable when it has an adhesive patch on the faces of corners at the back of the diaper, each of which patches contacts an adhesive patch on the front of the diaper, which patches form bonds to each other that have strong resistance to shear forces, can easily be peeled apart after 2 hours at room temperature and do not adhere either to ordinary packaging materials or to nonadhesive surfaces of the diaper. All of the adhesive patches can be cut from a single adhesive tape that has a flexible backing, one face of which bears a layer of the peelable adhesive while the other layer bears a layer of an adhesive that forms a strong, permanent bond to the diaper.

Abstract: A blend of a modified thermoplastic block polymer of a conjugated diene and an alkenyl arene with an extender resin compatible with the conjugated diene block is described herein. The block copolymer is first selectively hydrogenated and thereafter modified by grafting carboxyl functional groups primarily in the alkenyl arene blocks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curable rubber composition comprising (a) 100 parts by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated nitrile/conjugated diene type highly saturated rubber in which the content of conjugated diene units in the polymer chain is not higher than 30% by weight, (b) 10 to 100 parts by weight of zinc salt of methacrylic acid, (c) 5 to 50 parts by weight of silicic anhydride and (d) 0.2 to 10 parts by weight of an organic peroxide. The curable rubber composition provides a cured product having an excellent strength, abrasion resistance, and compression set.

Abstract: The synthesis, preparation and utilization of cationic viscoelastic monomer fluids mixed with cationic-alkyl containing copolymers are described. These fluid mixtures possess dramatic rheological behavior at very low concentrations as compared to the two individual components or even in comparison with most conventional water soluble polymers. Marked changes in solution properties are exhibited with minor modifications in the structure of the polymers, monomer structure, and monomer stoichometry.

Abstract: There are provided a pressure-sensitive adhesive and other compositions which free radical cured mixtures of at least one unsaturated elastomeric polymer and at least one organic additive which is substantially nonresponsive to action of free radicals and present in an amount sufficient to modify the properties of the cured elastomeric polymer.

Abstract: A vibration-damping rubber composition comprising:(A) 100 parts by weight of at least one rubber component selected from the group consisting of (a) at least one hexene-1 type polymer selected from the group consisting of hexene-1 homopolymers and copolymers of hexene-1 and a C.sub.3-20 alpha-olefin other than hexene-1 and (b) at least one graft copolymer selected from the group consisting of a graft copolymer of a hydroxyl group-containing polysiloxane or a copolymer of hexene-1 and a silane compound represented by the general formula I:CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --SiR.sup.1.sub.m X.sub.3-m Iwherein n is an integer of 1 or more, m is 0 or an integer of 1-2, X is a chlorine or bromine atom, and R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-5 alkyl group and a graft copolymer of a hydroxyl group-containing polysiloxane on a terpolymer of hexene-1, a C.sub.

Abstract: Opaque, thermoplastic molding compositions comprising a grafted rubber phase and a matrix phase comprising styrene, acrylonitrile, and from 1 to 18 percent of a lower alkyl methacrylate and having improved colorability are disclosed.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition suitable for tires comprising(A) 5 to 50% by weight of copolymer block (A) of an aromatic vinyl compound and a conjugated diene and containing 52-90% wt of vinyl compound and having an average mol. wt. >20,000 and a vinyl content in the diene units of <20% wt, and(B) 95-50% by weight of a block (B) which is a homopolymer of a conjugated diene or a copolymer block of an aromatic vinyl compound and a conjugated diene, block (B) containing <20% wt. of aromatic vinyl compound and having a Tg <-40.degree..degree.C.,after vulcanization blocks (A) and (B) being incompatible.

Abstract: A process for improving the flame retardancy, hygroscopic, soil release and other properties of a polymer substrate is provided in which the substrate is contacted with a suitable aqueous mixture containing a water-soluble monomer and an organic halogen-containing hydrophobic carrier compound at a temperature of between about 40.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. Polymerization of the monomer is thereafter initiated by a chemical or physical initiator to form a polymer evenly disposed on the substrate. The flame retardancy, hygroscopic, soil release and other surface properties of the substrate are thereby improved. The mixture may be in the form of an emulsion wherein the hydrophobic carrier compound is emulsified by an appropriate agent. The invention also pertains to the improved substrates prepared in accordance with the present process.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a resin other than polyamide resin and a layered silicate dispersed therein, said layered silicate having a layer thickness of 7 to 12 .ANG. and an interlayer distance of 30 .ANG. or above. Owing to the layered silicate uniformly dispersed in the resin matrix, the composite material is superior in mechanical characteristics and heat resistance. It also has good water resistance and chemical resistance.

Abstract: An ethylene-.alpha.-olefin vulcanized rubber composition with excellent weather resistance and high transparency which is formed by vulcanizing with an organic peroxide an unvulcanized rubber composition comprising an ethylene-.alpha.-olefin rubber containing no metal oxide nor metal carbonate.

Abstract: Modified solution polymer compositions useful for films, coatings, caulks, adhesives, and mastics having advantitious properties such as low surface tack, short drying time, high tensile strength, and hardness, uses of such compositions, and processes for preparing them are disclosed.

Abstract: A star-shaped polymer useful as a polymeric VI improver comprising at least one arm which is a block copolymer containing a conjugated diolefin block and a monoalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon block and a plurality of arms which are either a homopolymer of a conjugated diolefin or a copolymer of tow or more conjugated diolefin or a copolymer of two or more conjugated diolefins. Oil compositions comprising star-shaped VI improvers of this type exhibit relatively low HTHSR viscosities, and hence, improved fuel efficiencies when used in automotive applications. Oil compositions comprising star-shaped VI improvers of this type also exhibit improved low temperature pumpability.

Abstract: Rubber based adhesives containing liquid stereospecific polybutadiene rubber, one or more hardeners or hardener systems, fillers and optionally primers, which contain one or more chemically irreversibly depolymerized solid rubbers of natural or synthetic origin in quantities of from 1.5 to 5% by weight, based on the sum of the constituents, to a process for the production of these low-viscosity rubber-based adhesives by chemically irreversible depolymerization of one or more solid rubbers of natural or synthetic origin, and to the use of these low-viscosity rubber-based adhesives in the bonding of metal components in automotive manufacturing.

Abstract: A sulfur curable elastomeric composition is shown which exhibits improved resistance to deformation in hot, high gas content environments, such as oil and gas wells. The composition includes a conjugated diolefin polymer rubber, a low molecular weight polubutadiene and a quantity of randomly oriented flocked fibers.

Abstract: The rubber composition is formulated with (A) a combination of an ethylene-propylene copolymeric rubber and an organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule as the polymeric base, (B) a reinforcing silica filler, (C) an alkoxysilane compound and (D) a thiocarbamyl-containing organosilane compound. The rubber composition can be vulcanized with an organic sulfur compound or organic peroxide as the vulcanizing agent to give a vulcanizate having quite satisfactory mechanical properties including, in particular, greatly improved heat resistance and greatly decreased permanent compression set even without using carbon black as the reinforcing filler. The omission of carbon black in the formulation gives an advantage that the rubber may be colored in any light color.

Abstract: Aqueous lacquers, which contain grafted polybutadiene/maleic acid semi-esters or semi-amides as bonding agent, can be siccativated while the siccative is firstly dispersed in the aqueous phase and the bonding agent is dispersed in this dispersion.

Abstract: There is provided a tackifier composition especially suited for use with natural rubber latex and formed from an olefin resin, preferably a polymerized terpene hydrocarbon resin condensed with an unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride, optionally partially esterified with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.30 alcohol or phenol, and neutralized with a base, preferably a volatile base such as an amine, and then dispersed in an aqueous medium. The tackifier when added to a latex forms compositions useful particularly as pressure sensitive adhesives.

Abstract: A process for producing a styrene-base resin having improved moldability and a good hue by continuously adding a specific higher fatty acid amide in a dissolved or molten state, and/or a mixture of a specific higher fatty acid amide and a specific metallic soap in a molten state, to a styrene-base resin in the course of its production by continuous bulk or solution polymerization. The above process is particularly effective for rubber-modified styrene-acrylonitrile resins.

Abstract: Oiled SIS polymers and processes for their production are disclosed. These processes result in advantages including reduced mixing time and less shear degradation. An adhesive composition comprising the oiled polymer of the invention is also disclosed.