Abstract: Protected functional initiator initiated elastomer solutions are deprotected and optionally ionic impurities removed by contact with a molten component such as sodium bisulphate monohydrate. This allows deprotection and removal of metal contaminants such as the initiator or residue from hydrogenation catalysts without the introduction of significant amounts of additional water which cause emulsion formation. In accordance with this invention, better metal removal is achieved and the process of metal removal operates more smoothly because of the absence of emulsion formation. Separation of the molten component containing the extracted metal contaminants can easily be carried out by simple liquid-liquid phase separation on either a continuous or batch basis.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon solutions of monofunctional ether initiators of the following general structure:M--Q.sub.n --Z--OA(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3) (II)wherein M is defined as an alkali metal, selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium, Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons and alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons; Z is defined as a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon tether or connecting group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; A is an element selected from Group IVa of the periodic table and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl groups, and n is an integer from 1 to 5.

Abstract: A multifunctional initiator is prepared by contacting an organo-alkali metal compound with a silane represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein the R' are generally lower alkyl groups such as methyl and the R" is generally an .paren open-st.CH.sub.2 .paren close-st..sub.n group with n=2. Superior results are obtained presumably because of the separation of the vinyl groups and the greater solubility of the compound because of the R' groups. The resulting catalyst initiates polymerization of monomers such as conjugated dienes and monovinyl substituted aromatic compounds to give relatively monodispersed polymers with little or no crosslinking.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon solutions of monofunctional ether initiators of the following general structure:M--Z--O--C(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)wherein M is an alkali metal; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl groups, and their employment as initiators in the anionic polymerization of olefin containing monomers in an inert, hydrocarbon solvent comprising reacting an omega-protected-1-haloalkyl with lithium metal dispersion having a particle size between 10 and 300 millimicrons in size, at a temperature between 35.degree. and 130.degree. C. in an alkane solvent containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon solutions of monofunctional ether initiators of the following general structure:M--Q.sub.n --Z--OA(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3) (II)wherein M is defined as an alkali metal, selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium, Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons and alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons; Z is defined as a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon tether or connecting group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; A is an element selected from Group IVa of the periodic table and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl groups, and n is an integer from 1 to 5.

Abstract: A process for producing a diolefin polymer or copolymer, comprising the steps of polymerizing 55-100 wt % of a conjugated diolefin with 0-45 wt % of an aromatic vinyl compound as monomers in a hydrocarbon as a solvent, by using initiators: a reaction product [a1] between at least one secondary amine compound (A) and an organic lithium compound and/or a lithium amide compound [a2] of the at least one secondary amine compound (A) as well as a reaction product [b1] between at least one alcohol (B) and an organic lithium compound and/or a lithium alkoxide compound of the at least one alcohol (B). A rubber composition containing not less than 30 wt % of such a diolefin polymer or copolymer with respect to an entire rubber component is also disclosed. This rubber composition exhibits excellent abrasion resistance, high tensile strength, steering stability and low rolling resistance, and is suitable for tires, particularly, as treads of low fuel consumption tires.

Abstract: A process for preparation of modified polyolefin particles which comprises contacting and reacting(A) 100 wt. parts of polyolefin particles with(B) 0.01 to 50 wt. parts of at least one ethylenic unsaturated compound selected from the group consisting of carboxyl group-containing ethylenic unsaturated compounds or their carboxylic anhydrides or their carboxylic acid derivatives, hydroxyl group-containing ethylenic unsaturated compounds, amino-group-containing ethylenic unsaturated compounds, and glycidyl group-containing ethylenic unsaturated compounds,in the presence of(C) more than 10 wt. parts to not more than 50 wt. parts of a medium of a liquid state at ordinary temperature whose solubility in water at 20.degree. C. is 0.5 wt. % or less and which is capable of swelling the polyolefin, and(D) 0.01 to 10 wt. parts of a radical initiator; andmodified polyolefin particles prepared by the aforesaid process.

Abstract: This invention relates to foundry mixes and their uses. The foundry mixes comprise (a) a foundry aggregate, and (b) a foundry binder comprising in admixture; (1) an acetoacetate ester; (2) an .alpha., .beta. ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and (3) a liquid tertiary amine catalyst having a pK value of 12-14. The foundry mixes are used to prepare foundry shapes made from foundry mixes by a no-bake process.

Abstract: Novel metallated polyolefins are produced by contacting a polyolefin having a vinylidene group in the terminal portion with organoalkali metal compound in the presence of alkali metal t-alkoxide or tertiary amine. The metallated polyolefin is used to initiate the polymerization of polymerizable monomers to produce block copolymers of at least two blocks, at least one of which is saturated polyolefin.

Abstract: A method for improving the initiation efficiency during the anionic polymerization of 15 to 100 percent weight of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomers and 0 to 85 percent by weight of a conjugated diene monomer by conducting the polymerization in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of: (a) an organolithium initiator and (b) a 2,5-substituted tetrahydrofuran modifier having the structural formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.1 ' are independently H or an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R.sub.2 and R.sub.2 ' are alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Hydrogenated butadiene polymers having terminal silyl groups are prepared from a (4-vinylphenylene)dimethyl(t-butyl)silyl ether which is added to the polymer chain as a silyl ether initiator or an endcapping agent, or both. The silyl groups are then converted to phenolic groups. The polymers are useful in making coatings, sealants, binders, and block copolymers with polyesters, polyamides, and polycarbonates.

Abstract: This invention concerns a "living" free radical polymerization process for preparing polymers having a narrow distribution of molecular weights.

Abstract: The synthesis of poly(isobutylene-b-methyl vinyl ether) (PIB-b-PMeVE) by living carbocationic polymerization (LC.sym.Pzn) employing the sequential monomer addition (SMA) technique is described. The process starts by producing the living PIB.sym. block employing the 2-chloro-2,4,4-trimethylpentane (TMPC11/TiCl.sub.4 initiating system in the presence of the common ion salt tetra-n-butylammonium chloride (n-Bu.sub.4 NCl) in CH.sub.3 Cl/n-C.sub.6 H.sub.14 or CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /n-C.sub.6 H.sub.14 mixed solvents at -80.degree. C. and continues by the addition of methyl vinyl ether (MeVE). The second living block forms only in the presence of excess TiCl.sub.4 suggesting that the species that starts the second block and subsequently sustains its growth is a MeVE.multidot.TiCl.sub.4 complex. The stoichiometry of this complex (1:1 or 1:2) is uncertain. The TiCl.sub.4 remains attached to the MeVE units after their incorporation into the diblock, however, it can be readily removed by water.

Abstract: Elastomeric polymers comprising polymerized alpha-olefins or conjugated alkadienes are produced by cationic polymerization in the presence of titanium tetrachloride and an electron pair donor selected from pyridine or a non-hindered alkylpyridine. The polymers have very narrow, mono-modal molecular weight distributions such a achived by anionic polymerization. Polymerization of each monomer is terminated prior to broadening of the molecular weight distribution which significantly detracts from polymer properties.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a tread with a rubber composition produced by blending a rubber component with a styrene based thermoplastic elastomer. The rubber component is composed mainly of a diene based rubber, and the elastomer is so preliminarily internally crosslinked that tensile stress at a 100% elongation is increased to 10 to 1,000% of that of the styrene based thermoplastic elastomer not internally crosslinked. A pneumatic tire is also disclosed, having a tread portion with a rubber composition blended with a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon thermoplastic elastomer in an amount of 5-80 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the rubber component.

Abstract: An adhesive which contains a tackifying resin and a branched three-armed block copolymer composition comprised of polymeric blocks wherein the molecular weight is from about 180,000 to about 250,000, the polystyrene content is from about 17 to about 23% by weight of the block copolymer composition and the percentage of S-I arms which are load bearing is greater than about 85%.

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: Novel polyesters or polyamides are produced from a class of cyano-, cyanoalkyl-, carboxy- or carboxyalkylaryl-substituted 1,6-diaza [4,4] spirodilactams, having a cyano-, cyanoalkyl-, caroboxy- or carboxyalkylaryl substituent attached to each spiro ring nitrogen atom.

Abstract: Polyvinyl chloride resins are treated with a low inherent viscosity-high glass transition temperature enhancing agent to impart improved processing properties thereto, especially melt flow, which are desirable in various melt type fabrication processes such as custom injection molding. The high glass transition temperature-inherent viscosity enhancing agent is made by polymerizing one or more high glass transition temperature agent forming monomers in the presence of a chain transfer agent. The agent has a high glass transition temperature as well as a low inherent viscosity. The high glass transition temperature-inherent viscosity enhancing agent is produced as an overpolymer in a mass polymerization reaction.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer comprising a block copolymer of the A-B-A' type, wherein A is a monovinyl aromatic hydrocarbon polymer block, B is a conjugated diolefin polymer block, and A' is either the same as A or a polymer block derived from a dialkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon or a dihalogenated hydrocarbon, which process comprises polymerizing a monovinyl aromatic hydrocarbon in a polymerization medium in the presence of an organomonolithium compound as a polymerization initiator, adding a conjugated diolefin to perform block copolymerization, and further adding a monovinyl aromatic hydrocarbon to perform polymerization or in the alternative, adding a dialkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon or a dihalogenated hydrocarbon to perform coupling, wherein the monomer components are used in such amounts that the weight ratio of (A+A') to B ranges from 10/90 to 65/35, and a chained aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent containing from 0.0001 to 0.

Abstract: Large acrylic star polymers, are made by group transfer polymerization techniques by arm-first, core-first, or arm-core-arm approaches.

Abstract: In a process for producing a high impact polystyrene comprising the radical polymerization of styrene in the presence of a butadiene rubber, the improvement which comprises, the butadiene rubber being a highly branched polymer prepared by homopolymerizing 1,3-butadiene or copolymerizing 1,3-butadiene and styrene in the presence of an organolithium compound and a Lewis base compound, followed by further reacting the resulting polymer with a multifunctional halogen compound; in the butadiene rubber, the average content of 1,2-bonds being 18 to 32 mole % based on the total bonded butadiene, the content of bonded styrene being up to 10% by weight, and the content of branched polymer chains being at least 60% by weight; the butadiene rubber exhibiting a Mooney viscosity of 40 to 90 at 100.degree. C. and a solution viscosity in styrene of 60 to 90 cps at 25.degree. C.

Abstract: A polymerizable polymer is obtained by the anionic polymerization and termination by use of a vinyl monomer. It produces a graft copolymer by co-polymerization with another monomer. The process produces a new, polymerizable, optically active polymer and a graft copolymer thereof.

Abstract: High impact polystyrene compositions are prepared by the intimate melt mixing of a styrene polymer and a particular AB two-block copolymer. The A block is a polymer of a monoalkenyl arene having a specified molecular weight range and the B block is a butadiene polymer block having a 1,2 vinyl content of greater than about 20 percent.

Abstract: Copolymers of alpha-methylstyrene-type monomers and conjugated diene monomers are prepared by polymerizing an alpha-methylstyrene monomer using a first polar activator, adding a small amount of a conjugated diene monomer to cap the block of alpha-methylstyrene-type monomer polymer, and further adding a conjugated diene monomer and polymerizing with a second polar activator effective for copolymerization of residual alpha-methylstyrene-type monomer. The resulting copolymer can be coupled to form linear or radial block copolymers.

Abstract: Copolymers of alpha-methylstyrene-type monomers and conjugated diene monomers are prepared by polymerizing an alpha-methylstyrene monomer using a first polar activator, adding a small amount of a conjugated diene monomer to cap the block of alpha-methylstyrene-type monomer polymer, and further adding a conjugated diene monomer and polymerizing with a second polar activator effective for copolymerization of residual alpha-methylstyrene-type monomer. The resulting copolymer can be coupled to form linear or radial block copolymers.

Abstract: Orthoesters are used to couple living homopolymers of monovinylarenes, and living copolymers of monovinylarenes and conjugated dienes. Novel coupled polymers are thereby produced.

Abstract: The composition described herein is a hydrogenated polymer derived from a butadiene diblock copolymer having 85-100%, preferably 95-100% 1,2-structure in one block and the other block comprising essentially 1,4-butadiene. The 1,2-block comprises at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, of the total weight of the diblock copolymer. The hydrogenated product is an elastomeric material which is oxidation-resistant and stable against ozone. Moreover, since the original polymer may be made by a method which permits control of the molecular weight, the molecular weight of the ultimate hydrogenated product is also controllable. The control of molecular weight and microstructure give highly desirable properties in the ultimate elastomeric product, and also control of tacticity and crystallinity.

Abstract: This invention pertains to low-shrink polyester molding resin mixtures primarily based on a certain low-shrink thermoplastic additive produced by synthesizing the vinyl copolymer thermoplastic additive in a hydroxyl terminated polymeric diluent. The resulting vinyl copolymer is dispersed in the hydroxyl containing polymeric diluent which can be post reacted with isocyanate material to produce a polyurethane-vinyl copolymer thermoplastic additive. This thermoplastic additive can be added directly to the thermosetting polyester polymer and monomer mixture to provide a low-shrink molding resin system.

Abstract: A monovinyl arene, such as styrene, is polymerized with a monofunctional lithium initiator, followed by addition of a conjugated diene, such as butadiene, with additional monofunctional lithium initiator. The resultant block copolymers are coupled to give linear coupled block copolymers or radial coupled block copolymers with a random distribution of homopolymer and copolymer branches. The polymers exhibit increased tack and improved creep resistance in adhesive compositions. The amount of initiator added as the second increment with the second monomer must be greater than the amount added as the first increment with the first monomer.

Abstract: Carburetor detergency properties of hydrocarbon fuels are provided by nitrogen-containing organic compound-grafted, hydrogenated conjugated diene-monovinylarene copolymers.