Abstract: The invention generally concerns a novel family of biocompatible surfactant copolymers having a wide range of uses, in particular in pharmaceutics and for synthesizing substances in dispersed state and for surface treatment of materials or biomaterials. Said copolymers are characterised in that they comprise a hydrophobic sequence constituted by: either a homopolymer consisting of recurrent units corresponding to the general formula (I): in which: R1 represents a C1-C6 alkyl group or a (CH2)m—COOR3 group wherein m is an integer between 1 and 5 and R3 represents a C1-C6 alkyl group; R2 represents a C1-C6 alkyl group; and n is an integer between 1 and 5; or a random copolymer consisting of different recurring units corresponding to formula (I) as defined above; or finally a random copolymer consisting for the major part of units corresponding to formula (I) as defined above.

Abstract: Described are melt-processable block copolymers and compositions, embodiments of which may be useful in applications such as pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or heat-activatable adhesive, comprising polymeric end block and polymeric B block, wherein end block comprises copolymer and the B block comprises homopolymer or copolymer.

Abstract: A composition, in particular a cosmetic composition, comprising, in an appropriate medium, at least one polymer with a highly specific ordered structure is disclosed. These compositions find a specific application in the field of make-up and are capable of being applied to the skin, semi-mucous membranes and/or mucous membranes. In particular, these compositions can be provided in the form of a transfer-free make-up composition.

Abstract: Hot-melt processable adhesive, such as pressure-sensitive-adhesive (PSA) or heat-activatable adhesive, compositions of the present invention possess a broad formulation latitude and adequate cohesive strength after application for use in high performance applications. Hot-melt processable adhesives of the invention comprise at least one block copolymer comprising at least two A blocks and at least one B block. The A and B blocks are derived from monoethylenically unsaturated monomers, which monomers result in saturated polymer backbones without the need for subsequent hydrogenation upon their polymerization. Preferably, the block copolymer is a (meth)acrylate block copolymer.

Abstract: A composition, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one polymer with a highly specific ordered structure is disclosed. These compositions find a specific application in the field of caring for or making up keratinous fibers, in particular as a mascara composition for the eyelashes or for the hair.

Abstract: A novel star block copolymer which can be made to have a high molecular weight and gives a solution having a lower viscosity than solutions of linear polymers having the same molecular weight as the copolymer and which is expected to be used as a resist material; and a process for producing the copolymer. The star block copolymer having alkenylphenol skeletons is obtained by homopolymerizing by living anion polymerization an alkenylphenol compound in which the hydroxyl group of the phenol moiety has been protected by a saturated aliphatic protective group or copolymerizing the alkenylphenol compound with a vinylaromatic compound by living anion polymerization, subsequently copolymerizing the resultant polymer using a polyfunctional coupling agent such as divinylbenzene to obtain a star block copolymer, and eliminating the saturated aliphatic protective groups with an acid reagent.

Abstract: A composition, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one polymer with a highly specific ordered structure is disclosed. These compositions find a specific application in the field of caring for the skin, in particular of the face, and more especially for treating, that is to say decreasing, erasing and/or smoothing out, wrinkles and/or fine lines of the skin.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed in which a micelle is stabilized against degradation upon dilution. The micelle comprises molecules of a block polymer having a hydrophobic block and a hydrophilic block. The hydrophobic block forms a core of the micelle with corona from the hydrophilic block. The methods for stabilizing the core are (1) by chemically cross-linking, (2) incorporating a hydrophobic oil (vegetable oil) in the core to render it more hydrophobic and stable, and (3) incorporating a cross-linked interpenetrating network of a stimuli-responsive hydrogel into the core. The hydrogel is responsive to any stimuli, but preferably temperature or pH. A substance such as, drugs, can be incorporated into the dense inner core of the micelles. When subjected to ultrasound, the micelles release the substance, and then reversibly revert to a stable dense core and re-encapsulating the substance when the ultrasound is turned off.

Abstract: The invention relates to a block copolymer and more especially to a thermoplastic elastomer block copolymer. The block copolymer is a diblock (block A)-(bloc B) copolymer, a triblock (block A)-(block B)-(block A), or a triblock (block A)-(block B)-(block C) copolymer, wherein block A is a stiff block, block B is a soft block, and block C is a stiff block. Block A or Block B comprises repetitive units deriving from segregation monomers.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to produce a polymer, which is free from the troubles of the coloration and the decrease in the mechanical properties of molded articles (films, etc.), crosslinkage failure, migration (stain) or the like, by the living radical polymerization method wherein the content of impurities consisting of a transition metal and its ligand employed as a polymerization activator is reduced. A process for producing a polymer is described, comprising: a) the step of performing a polymerization reaction by using a monomer, a transition metal and its ligand and a polymerization initiator to form a polymer; and b) the step of eliminating the transition metal and its ligand contained in the polymer under the condition of a viscosity of 100 Pa·s or below, wherein the step b comprises: b1) the former step of eliminating the transition metal and its ligand insoluble in the polymer; and b2) the latter step of eliminating the transition metal and its ligand dissolved in the polymer.

Abstract: For the preparation of a multimodal polymer at least one monomer is subjected to free radical polymerization in the presence of several alkoxyamines comprising the sequence of formula: in which RL is a monovalent radical exhibiting a molar mass of greater than 15, A represents the core of the alkoxyamine and n is a non-zero integer, the alkoxyamines exhibiting different values of n.

Abstract: The present invention relates to block copolymer compositions capable of being processed by the application of pressure. The invention also provides methods for predicting phase diagrams of polymer blends and block copolymers, particularly block copolymers comprising hard and soft blocks having properties described herein. The methods of the invention allow prediction of polymeric systems which can be processed under conditions that do not promote polymer degradation.

Abstract: (1) A methacrylic ester or an acrylic ester is anionically polymerized, using a polymerization initiator compound comprising an addition reaction product of a conjugated diene compound and an organic alkali metal compound, in the presence of a tertiary organoaluminum compound having in the molecule thereof a chemical structure represented by a formula: Al—O—Ar wherein Ar represents an aromatic ring; or (2) a methacrylic ester or an acrylic ester is anionically polymerized, using a polymerization initiator compound comprising an addition reaction product of an organic alkali metal compound and a compound having a 1,1-diaryl-1-alkene structure, by adding the ester in the form of a mixture with the above-mentioned specific tertiary organoaluminum compound to the polymerization system.

Abstract: In a process for the transition-metal-catalyzed preparation of polymers having a syndiotactic or predominantly syndiotactic structure from vinylaromatic monomers and a process for preparing block copolymers from vinylaromatic monomers and olefinically unsaturated polar monomers, use is made of transition metal compounds of the formula (I) where the substituents and indices have the following meanings: M is scandium, yttrium, lanthanum or a lanthanide metal, R′″ is &mgr;-C3-C20-alkyl, L is a low molecular weight organic compound having Lewis basicity, where n=1 or 0 and at least one n in (I) is 0, m is 1 or 2.

Abstract: A composition, comprising, in an appropriate medium, at least one polymer with a highly specific ordered structure is disclosed. These compositions find a specific application in the field of make-up and are capable of being applied to keratinous fibres, in particular to the nails, eyelashes, eyebrows and hair. In particular, these compositions can make it possible to obtain a film which exhibits good resistance to chipping, to impacts, to rubbing movements, to scratches and/or to pressing actions.

Abstract: A subject of the present invention is an aqueous composition combining at least one block copolymer (A) comprising, in the pH and temperature conditions of the composition, at least two polyionic blocks of the same charge and at least one non-charged block, with at least one ionic or polyionic (B) type with an opposite charge to that of the said polyionic blocks, in the pH conditions of the composition; type (B) being chosen from among ions carrying at least two charges, surfactants carrying at least one charge, oligomers and/or polymers carrying at least two charges and/or mineral particles carrying at least two charges; the block copolymer (A) content being such that the viscosity of the composition is at least greater than three times that of an aqueous solution of block copolymer (A) and to that of an aqueous solution of type (B), in the same temperature, pH and concentration conditions. The present composition, before its use or during its use, is in the form of a gel.

Abstract: A composition, comprising, in an appropriate medium, at least one polymer with a highly specific ordered structure is disclosed. These compositions find a specific application in the field of make-up and are capable of being applied to keratinous fibers, in particular to the nails, eyelashes, eyebrows and hair. In particular, these compositions can make it possible to obtain a film which exhibits good resistance to chipping, to impacts, to rubbing movements, to scratches and/or to pressing actions.

Abstract: A process for preparing a block copolymer. In one embodiment, the block copolymers comprise (A) a poly (vinyl aromatic) block and (B) a poly (vinyl aromatic-co-acrylic) block, said process comprising the steps, (a) polymerizing at an elevated temperature from about 5 to about 95 mole % of a charge comprising at least one vinyl aromatic monomer to prepare a stabilized active polymer block (A), using a free radical polymerization process, wherein a stable free radical agent is employed during the polymerization, thereby preserving the stabilized active polymerization site at the terminus of the poly (vinyl aromatic) block (A); (b) adding at least one acrylic monomer and optionally, additional vinyl aromatic monomer, to the mixture of vinyl aromatic monomer and stabilized active polymer block of (a); and (c) further reacting the mixture of (b) using a free radical process to effect copolymerization of said monomers, thereby preparing a (vinyl aromatic-co-acrylate) block (B).

Abstract: A composition, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one polymer with a highly specific ordered structure is disclosed. These compositions find a specific application in the field of caring for or making up keratinous fibers, in particular as a mascara composition for the eyelashes or for the hair.

Abstract: A subject of the present invention is an aqueous composition combining at least one block copolymer (A) comprising, in the pH and temperature conditions of the composition, at least two polyionic blocks of the same charge and at least one non-charged block, with at least one ionic or polyionic (B) type with an opposite charge to that of the said polyionic blocks, in the pH conditions of the composition; type (B) being chosen from among ions carrying at least two charges, surfactants carrying at least one charge, oligomers and/or polymers carrying at least two charges and/or mineral particles carrying at least two charges; the block copolymer (A) content being such that the viscosity of the composition is at least greater than three times that of an aqueous solution of block copolymer (A) and to that of an aqueous solution of type (B), in the same temperature, pH and concentration conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gelling aqueous composition comprising block copolymers containing at least one water-soluble block and at least one block predominantly hydrophobic in nature, and forming a viscoelastic gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vulcanizable rubber composition which can be used for the manufacture of tires. The invention also provides for a tire, the tread of which comprises such a composition. The rubber composition posses improved hysteresis and physical properties in the vulcanized state, while retaining satisfactory processing properties in the non-vulcanized state. The rubber composition comprises a reinforcing white filler and a diene block copolymer which is intended to interact with the white filler, the block copolymer comprising a diene block polymer having on at least one chain end thereof a polyether block having a molecular weight of between 1000 g/mol and 3000 g/mol, the polyether block corresponding to the formula: O—CH2—CH2—O)n—R,  (I) in which n is an integer other than zero and R is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A composition, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one polymer with a highly specific ordered structure is disclosed. These compositions find a specific application in the field of caring for or making up keratinous fibres, in particular as a mascara composition for the eyelashes or for the hair.

Abstract: A pigment dispersion useful for forming coating compositions containing dispersed pigment, a non-aqueous carrier liquid and an ABC-block polymer dispersant (binder); wherein the ABC block polymer has a number average molecular weight of about 5,000-20,000 and contains a polymeric A segment, a polymeric B segment and a polymeric C segment; wherein the polymeric A segment of the block polymer is of polymerized monomers selected from the following group: alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers having 1-12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, aryl (meth)acrylate monomers, cyclo alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers or mixtures of any of the above; the polymeric B segment of the block polymer is of polymerized alkyl amino alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers having 1-4 carbon atoms in the alkyl group quaternized with an alkylating agent; and the polymeric C segment of the block polymer is of polymerized monomers of hydroxy alkyl (meth)acrylate having 1-4 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and monomers selected from the following group: alkyl

Abstract: A process for preparing polymers which comprises conducting polymerization in the presence of free radicals of the formula I where Q is NR2 or S and T is CR3R4 or S and R1, R2, R3 and R4 can be identical or different and independently are hydrogen, C1- to C20-alkyl or C6- to C18-aryl.

Abstract: A functional block copolymer useful as a compatibilizing agent for a blend of a condensation polymer and vinyl polymer comprises segments of a condensation polymer and a vinyl polymer derived from a reactive functional group-containing monomer or a functions-imparting monomer such as ultraviolet absorption or flame retardant functions. The block copolymer can further include a segment of a lower cohesive energy polymer. The condensation or vinyl polymer segment, or the lower cohesive energy polymer segment contains azo or peroxide groups which act as a polymerization initiator for the copolymerization of the vinyl monomer forming the vinyl polymer segment.

Abstract: Block copolymers having a molecular weight distribution of between 1.0 and 5.0 comprising at least one block of polymerized alkyl methacrylate monomer(s), wherein from 50 to 100% by weight of the monomers for forming the alkyl methacrylate block are C12-C30 alkyl methacrylates, and a block of a polymerized conjugated alkadiene. The block copolymers of the present invention are useful as viscosity index improvers in lubricating oil compositions as well as compatibilizers for compositions containing both polymethacrylates and olefin copolymers or hydrogenated block polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-soluble block copolymers comprising at least one block of hydrophobic nature and at least one block of hydrophilic nature, the block of hydrophobic nature exhibiting hydrophilic units in an amount of between 33% and 99% by weight with respect to the total weight of the units of the hydrophobic block. These copolymers are preferably diblocks or triblocks and are prepared by a polymerization process referred to as a living or controlled. Control of their hydrophilic-lipophilic balance makes it possible to adjust their solubility in water and their self-association properties. These copolymers can be used in particular as adhesion agents or wetting agents.

Abstract: Block copolymers containing at least two blocks are provided and comprise: (a) a first block containing residues of at least one first ethylenically unsaturated radically polymerizable monomer that is free of hydroxy functionality, e.g., 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, and a minor amount of at least one hydroxy functional ethylenically unsaturated radically polymerizable monomer, e.g., hydroxypropyl methacrylate; and (b) a second block containing residues of at least one second ethylenically unsaturated radically polymerizable monomer that is free of hydroxy functionality, e.g., iso-butyl methacrylate, and a minor amount of at least one hydroxy functional ethylenically unsaturated radically polymerizable monomer. The calculated Tg of the second monomer of the block copolymer is at least 20° C. greater than the calculated Tg of the first monomer.

Abstract: A block copolymer obtainable by reacting A) monomers selected from the group consisting of styrene, &agr;-methylstyrene, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, methyl methacrylate and maleic anhydride to form blocks A having a glass transition temperature Tg of more than 0° C. and B) monomers selected from the group consisting of n-butyl acrylate, methyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate to form blocks B having a glass transition temperature Tg of less than 0° C. at from 100 to 160° C. in the presence of free-radical initiators and N-oxyl radicals.

Abstract: Polymers are produced by alternate anionic polymerization of conjugated dienes and/or monomalkenyl arenes to form a living polymer chain, followed by precise incorporation of protected functional groups into that living polymer chain.

Abstract: Preparation of rubber-modified molding compositions comprises a1) anionic polymerization of a mixture (A) comprising acrylate derivatives or methacrylate derivatives or acrylate derivatives and methacrylate derivatives and a solvent, if desired comprising olefinically unsaturated compounds which are not an acrylate derivative or a methacrylate derivative, or a2) sequential anionic polymerization of acrylate derivatives or methacrylate derivatives or acrylate derivatives and methacrylate derivatives in the presence of a solvent which, if desired, comprises olefinically unsaturated compounds to give block copolymers, and b) subjecting the reaction mixture obtained in a1) or a2) or a1) and a2) to a free-radical-initiated polymerization, if desired after the addition of unsaturated compounds.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of vinylaromatic copolymers reinforced with rubber which comprises:a) dissolving a dienic rubber (i) and/or a linear block elastomer, vinylaromatic monomer-1,3 conjugated diene (ii), in a mixture comprising at least one vinylaromatic monomer and a pair of solvents consisting of a polar solvent and a nonpolar solvent;b) polymerizing the solution thus obtained, possibly in the presence of an initiator.

Abstract: A block copolymer of a hydrophobic block of one or more hydrophobic monomers and a hydrophilic block of one or more hydrophilic monomers is prepared by polymerizing a hydrophobic monomer to prepare the hydrophobic block, using a free radical polymerization process using a stable free radical agent, preserving a stabilized active polymerization site on the hydrophobic block; adding a hydrophilic monomer to the stabilized active hydrophobic block; and further reacting the mixture to effect polymerization of the hydrophilic monomer. The polymerization of the hydrophilic monomer is conducted in an amidic solvent in which the hydrophobic block and the hydrophilic monomer are soluble.

Abstract: A polymer having groups located at the ends of the polymer chain which groups are derived from stable free radical compounds, wherein the polymer is of the formula:SFR-(R)-SFRwherein SFR represents a covalently bonded stable free radical group and R represents a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A modified surfactant of the PLURONIC.TM.-type compound and method for manufacture is disclosed. The surfactant compound has at least one PEO block attached at a first end to at least one PPO block, with at least one of the PEO block having an organic metal-chelating end group (R) attached to a second end, the remaining PEO blocks having an unmodified hydroxyl group at the second end. The metal-chelating group is charged with an metal-ion. A protein with a metal-affinity tag, e.g., a histidine tag, is then complexed with the metal-chelating group to form a complex of the modified surfactant, the metal ion, and the protein. The modified surfactant may be adsorbed upon a hydrophobic surface, charged with a metal ion, and then complexed with a protein with a metal-affinity tag. A surface with specific activity toward proteins is the presented, which is suitable for applications where a protein is immobilized upon a surface to give the surface specific protein activity.

Abstract: A functionalized copolymer of the formulaA--B--Z--XwhereA is a block of vinylaromatic monomers of 8 to 20, preferably 8 to 12, carbon atoms,B is a block of alkadiene monomers of 4 to 12, preferably 4 to 8, carbon atoms,Z is a fundamental building block of a compound having sterically hindering groups andX is a functionalized fundamental building block,a process for its preparation, thermoplastic molding materials containing said copolymer, processes for their preparation, the use for the production of moldings and moldings comprising said molding materials.

Abstract: A continuous process for the preparation of linear, branched and star-polymers via anionic polymerization of acrylic monomers, linear, branched and star-polymers obtained by the process and lubricating oil compositions thereof.

Abstract: An A-B-A type of block copolymer consisting of polymer block A of (meth)acrylate and polymer block B of olefin, having a Mw/Mn of 1.0 to 2.5, is disclosed. This block copolymer can be produced by polymerizing an olefin using a particular rare earth compound as an initiator, and then polymerizing the formed polymer with a (meth)acrylate.

Abstract: Relatively low molecular weight Olefin/CO copolymers are graft copolymerized with vinyl monomers by the exposure of a mixture of a dispersion of the two to high energy radiation such as .gamma. ray radiation. Styrene is an example of a monomer useful in forming the graft copolymer. The graft copolymers are useful as waterborne glues particularly in the preparation of wood composites.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cyclic conjugated diene polymer comprising a main chain represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein A to E are monomer units constituting the main chain in which A to E are arranged in any order, and l to p are, respectively, weight percentages of A to E, based on the total weight of A to E; A is selected from cyclic conjugated diene monomer units, B is selected from chain conjugated diene monomer units, C is selected from vinyl aromatic monomer units, D is selected from polar monomer units, and E is selected from an ethylene monomer unit and .alpha.-olefin monomer units; and l to p satisfy the following requirements: 0.5.ltoreq.l.ltoreq.100, 0.ltoreq.

Abstract: A sludge dehydrating agent which is excellent in storage stability and prevented from becoming water-insoluble during storage and hence can be distributed in the market securely by solving the problem of the conventional dehydrating agents comprising amphoteric polymers that they undergo deterioration and become water-insoluble when stored for long, thus becoming substantially unusable. This dehydrating agent comprises a copolymer composed of cationic vinyl monomer units, vinylic carboxylic acid monomer units and nonionic vinyl monomer units and a salt of a group IIA metal of the periodic table. Preferable examples of the vinylic carboxylic acid monomer include acrylic, methacrylic and crotonic acids, while those of the nonionic vinyl monomer include acrylamide and methacrylamide. The metal salts usable herein include those of mineral acids and organic carboxylic acids, and preferable mineral acid salts include calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and magnesium sulfate.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a star shaped block polymer of formula (PA--PB--PC).sub.n --N--(PD--PE).sub.m wherein PA, PB and PC are respectively vinylaromatic/methacrylic blocks, acrylic blocks and methacrylic blocks. PD is a polymer block selected from vinylaromatic and/or methacrylic monomer units, PE is an acrylic polymer block, n is 2 to 20 and m is 0 to 18 with the proviso that m+n is .ltoreq.20. The process proceeds by anionic polymerization in the presence of a monofunctional initiator of formula (II),(R).sub.p --Mwherein M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal, p is 1 or 2 and R is a straight or branched alkyl radical having 2 to 6 carbon atoms or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 substituted alkyl radical.

Abstract: Polymerizable oligo- and/or polyalkenoic acids are disclosed which are block polymers of different polyalkenoic acids or their derivatives and/or conjugated dienes. These oligo-/polyalkenoic acids are characterized in that they have at least one sequence with acid functions or protected acid functions in the side group and at least one sequence with olefinic double bonds in the side group of the alcohol component of the esters or the amine component of the amides. The use of said polymerizable oligo- and/or polyalkenoic acids for dental/medical purposes is also described.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the manufacture of six-armed radial asymmetric block copolymers, comprising of the steps of anionically polymerizing first polymer arms, contacting the first polymer arms with a non polymerizable coupling agent containing 6 functional groups, the amount of the first polymer arms being substantially stoichiometrically corresponding to 4 of the functional groups, anionically preparing second polymer arms, different from the first polymer arms, in the same reactor, adding a polar compound capable of increasing the reactivity of the residual functional groups of the coupling agent, reacting these residual functional groups with the second polymers arms, and recovering the asymetric polymer. The asymmetric polymers are useful in adhesive, coating, or sealant compositions and in bitumen blends for roofing, and in sound deadening or vibration dampening compositions.

Abstract: An initiation system for the anionic polymerization of (meth)acrylic monomers and, optionally, nonacrylic vinyl monomers is disclosed. The initiation system comprises (1) a functional initiator and (2) an alkali metal alcoholate having the formula R'OM', in which M' is an alkali metal and R' is a group R.sup.1 (OR.sup.2).sub.m where R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or arylalkyl radical, R.sup.2 is a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkylene radical and m is equal to 1, 2 or 3. The initiation system is applied to the formation of (meth)acrylic homopolymers and block copolymers of (meth)acrylic monomers and, optionally, nonacrylic vinyl comonomers.

Abstract: A diblock copolymer obtained by polymerizing acrylic, methacrylic or nonacrylic vinyl monomers in the presence of a polymerization initiating amount of an initiation system including (1) at least one functional initiator and (2) an alkali metal alcoholate. The alcoholate has the formula:R'OM'in which M' is an alkali metal and R' has the formula:R.sup.1 (OR.sup.2).sub.min which R.sup.1 is a linear or branched alkyl radical containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an arylalkyl radical, R.sup.2 is a linear or branched alkylene radical containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and m is the integer 1, 2 or 3.

Abstract: The invention is a practical process for anionically synthesizing multiblock polymers containing a plurality of blocks formed from polar and/or non-polar monomers by using a cyclic organometallic compound initiator that comprises a divalent metal atom and an organic moiety contained in a ring, preferably a cycloorganomagnesium initiator. Activation of the ring metallic atom results in anionic polymerization of the monomers by addition into the initiator ring at the bonds between the metallic atom and its two adjacent carbon atoms, the metallic atom acting as a bridge between the two living ends of the propagating chain. The active chain ends can be coupled or terminated.

Abstract: Block polymers of the star type contain a central core of crosslinked bisunsaturated compound and a plurality of functionalized branches attached to the core, each branch containing at least a terminal portion of polymerized alkyl methacrylate, polymerized through the ethylenic unsaturation of the methacrylate moiety. The polymers are useful in adhesive formulations and as viscosity index improvers for hydrocarbon fluids.

Abstract: The invention described herein is an asymmetric radial block copolymer having at least one set of arms formed of at least one polymer block of at least one vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and/or at least one polymer block formed of at least one conjugated diene and at least one set of arms formed of at least one polymer block of at least one acrylic monomer.