Abstract: Radiation curable adhesive comprising an epoxidized block copolymer, a saturated block copolymer and/or a rosin derived alcohol, and a photoinitiator.

Abstract: Polyisobutylene (PIB) functionalized with terminal reactive unsaturation is disclosed. Carbocationically polymerized monohalogen-terminated PIB is dehydrohalogenated in a hydrocarbon solvent using an alkoxide of the formula RO-M wherein R is alkyl of at least 5 carbon atoms and M is alkali metal. The PIB obtained has terminal unsaturation which is 100% in the reactive ‘exo’ form which can be converted to succinic anhydride groups (PIB-SA) by the ene reaction with maleic anhydride. The PIB-SA is reactive with amine functional dendrimers to obtain a star-branched polymer having a dendrimer core and PIB branches joined by succinimide linkages. Blends of the star-branched polymer with polypropylene have improved energy absorption properties and controllable moisture/oxygen permeabilities useful in films.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to unsaturated monohydroxylated polydiene polymers which are comprised of at least two polymerizable ethenically unsaturated hydrocarbon monomers wherein at least one is a diene monomer which yields unsaturation suitable for epoxidation. The invention also encompasses partially hydrogenated and/or epoxidized derivatives of these novel monohydroxylated polydiene polymers. The preferred monohydroxylated polydiene polymer of the present invention has a structural formula (HO)x—A—Sz—B—(OH)y wherein A and B are polymer blocks which may be homopolymer blocks of conjugated diolefin monomers, copolymer blocks of conjugated diolefin monomers, or copolymer blocks of diolefin monomers and monoalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomers. These polymers may contain up to 60% by weight of at least one vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon, preferably styrene.

Abstract: Block copolymers comprise at least two hard blocks S1 and S2 made from vinyl aromatic monomers and, between these, at least ore random soft block B/S made from vinyl aromatic monomers and from dienes, where the proportion of the hard blocks is above 40% by weight, based on the total block copolymer, wherein the 1,2-vinyl content in the soft block B/S is less than 20%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a block copolymer comprising monomeric units of 1,4-butadiene and at least one other comonomer addition products to lower the gel point of crude petroleum. The block copolymer comprises at least 10% by weight of at least one crystallizable block and at least one low crystallinity block.

Abstract: The synthesis and characterization of star copolymers by living carbocationic copolymerization of statistical polymers comprising monomers of isobutylene (IB) and another monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, isoprene and living carbocationically copolymerizable derivatives thereof is described. The poly(isobutylene-co-styrene) arms emanate from a calix[n]arene core where n preferably equals 8, forming an multi(octa)-arm star. The arms are advantageously fitted with crosslinkable termini such as allyl or hydroxyl end groups. The hydroxyl-terminated arm star copolymers are particularly suitable for use in coatings when reacted with crosslinking agents such as isocyanates.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement upon the known method of anionically polymerizing monomers by contacting the monomers with an anionic polymerization initiator which is an organo-substituted alkali metal compound. The improvement comprises decreasing the viscosity of the polymer cement by adding at least 0.01 equivalent of a metal alkyl compound per equivalent of alkali metal initiator if the metal alkyl is added before or at the beginning of polymerization. If the metal alkyl is added during the polymerization or after but before the living polymer is terminated, then at least 0.01 equivalent of the metal alkyl compound per equivalent of living polymer chain ends is should be used. The alkyl groups of the metal alkyl are chosen such that they do not exchange with the organo substituents of the alkali metal, which can be the living polymer chain ends or the organo substituents of the initiator.

Abstract: Provides high vinyl, radial multi-block styrene-butadiene-styrene-containing hot melt adhesive compositions that are radiation-curable to yield pressure-sensitive adhesive films with improved peel adhesion and cohesive strength, especially at elevated temperatures. These pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are ideally suited for tape and label applications requiring good cohesive strength at elevated temperatures and yet are readily removed from painted or other surfaces leaving no adhesive residue.

Abstract: The invention provides a resin composition comprising a crosslinking silyl-terminated stellar-structure vinyl polymer or a stellar-structure vinyl block copolymer or chain-extended vinyl block copolymer. The invention provides a method of producing a stellar-structure vinyl block copolymer or chain-extended vinyl block copolymer which comprises forming a block copolymer using living radical polymerization and adding a compound having two or more polymerizable carbon-carbon double bonds at the end point of polymerization of the block copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition comprising an alternating hydrogenated block copolymer having at least two hydrogenated vinyl aromatic polymer blocks and at least one conjugated diene polymer block, wherein the number average molecular weights (Mn) of each block can be different.

Abstract: The present invention relates to star-block interpolymers having the following structure (X-Y)n-C, wherein X represents a random copolymer block derived from conjugated diene and monovinyl aromatic monomer; Y represents a polyconjugated diene block; C represents a residue derived from a multifunctional lithium based initiator; and n represents the functionality of the initiator and has a value of not less than 3; and preparation of the same. The star-block interpolymers according to the present invention have in the same molecule both a random copolymer block derived from conjugated diene and monovinyl aromatic monomer and a rubber block selected from the group consisting of a homopolymer block derived from conjugated diene, a tapered copolymer block derived from conjugated dienes, a random copolymer block derived from conjugated dienes and combinations thereof, and hence possess excellent properties of the both kinds of rubbers, and can be used widely as elastomeric materials.

Abstract: A hydrogenated block copolymer has at least two polymer blocks A each having an aromatic vinyl hydrocarbon compound monomer unit and at least two hydrogenated polymer blocks B each having a hydrogenated butadiene monomer unit. At least 90% of olefinically unsaturated double bonds in the polymer blocks mainly having a butadiene monomer unit before hydrogenation have been hydrogenated. At least one of the locks at the terminal of the hydrogenated block copolymer is the polymer block B. The proportion of the terminal polymer blocks B in the hydrogenated block copolymer is 0.1 wt % to 9.1 wt %. The proportion of the aromatic vinyl hydrocarbon compound in the hydrogenated block copolymer is 25 wt % to 80 wt %. The 1,2-bond content of the polymer blocks having a butadiene monomer unit before hydrogenation averages 60 mol % to 99 mol %. The resulting resin composition improves the balance among the appearance of its molded article, tensile elongation at break and moldability.

Abstract: A hydrogenated block copolymer which comprises at least two polymer blocks A each mainly comprising an aromatic vinyl hydrocarbon compound monomer unit and at least two hydrogenated polymer blocks B each mainly comprising a butadiene monomer unit, at least 90% of the olefinically unsaturated double bonds in said polymer block mainly comprising a butadiene monomer unit before hydrogenation having been hydrogenated, wherein at least one of the block at the terminal of the hydrogenated block copolymer is the polymer block B, wherein the proportion of the terminal polymer blocks B in the hydrogenated block copolymer is at least 0.1 wt % but less than 9.

Abstract: In a process for the homopolymerization of vinylaromatic monomers or the copolymerization of vinylaromatic monomers and dienes, the monomers are polymerized in the presence of at least one alkali metal organyl, at least one magnesium organyl and at least one aluminum organyl. The invention also provides an initiator composition for carrying out the process.

Abstract: The surface energy of polymeric substrates is increased by the application or incorporation of novel amphiphilic block copolymers. The block copolymer additives comprise a linear hydrophilic polymer or oligomer and a random hyperbranched polymer or oligomer and is completely or partially terminated with lipophilic end groups. The polymeric articles or constructions which benefit from the application or incorporation of the amphiphilic block copolymers in the areas of anti-fog, dissipation of static electricity, paintability, dyeability, printability, wicking of moisture, adhesion and polymer compatibility include carpet fibers, composite fibers, agricultural films, nonwoven coverstock, exterior automotive bumper fascia, packaging, hygienic products, incompatible polymer blends, laminated articles and eyewear.

Abstract: A block copolymer comprising at least three consecutive conjugated diene/monovinylarene tapered blocks is provided. Other aspects of this invention include a polymerization process for preparing the block copolymer and polymer blends comprising the block copolymer. The block copolymer and polymer blends exhibit excellent optical and mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to star-block interpolymers having the following structure (X—Y)n—C, wherein X represents a random copolymer block derived from conjugated diene and monovinyl aromatic monomer; Y represents a polyconjugated diene block; C represents a residue derived from a multifunctional lithium based initiator; and n represents the functionality of the initiator and has a value of not less than 3; and preparation of the same. The star-block interpolymers according to the present invention have in the same molecule both a random copolymer block derived from conjugated diene and monovinyl aromatic monomer and a rubber block selected from the group consisting of a homopolymer block derived from conjugated diene, a tapered copolymer block derived from conjugated dienes, a random copolymer block derived from conjugated dienes and combinations thereof, and hence possess excellent properties of the both kinds of rubbers, and can be used widely as elastomeric materials.

Abstract: A polymer nano-particle composition is provided, wherein the nano-particle includes a poly(alkenylbenzene) core and a surface layer including poly(conjugated diene). The polymer nano-particles are preferably less than about 100 nm in diameter. The nano-particles can be made by a dispersion polymerization process.

Abstract: A polymer composition containing carboxyl group which is excellent in water solubility, thickening properties and flow characteristics. This composition comprises (A) a crosslinked polymer comprising (a) an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carboxylic acid and (b) a compound having at least two ethylenically unsaturated groups, and (B) at least one polymer selected from among polymers comprising vinylpyrrolidone as an essential monomer and polyethylene oxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a removable grade hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive comprising from about 5% to about 30% by weight of the adhesive of a block copolymer having styrene endblocks and ethylene/butylene or ethylene/propylene midblocks and having a coupling efficiency of less than about 65% and a melt index of greater than about 20 grams/10 minutes; from about 10% to about 50% by weight of the adhesive of at least one block copolymer having styrene endblocks and a coupling efficiency from about 65% to about 100%; from about 20% to about 60% by weight of the adhesive of a tackifying resin and from about 10% to about 40% by weight of the adhesive of a liquid plasticizing oil.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a hydrogenated block copolymer of a vinyl aromatic and conjugated diene polymer, having a lamellar morphology and high aromatic hydrogenation level.

Abstract: A block copolymer comprising at least three consecutive conjugated diene/monovinylarene tapered blocks is provided. Other aspects of this invention include a polymerization process for preparing the block copolymer and polymer blends comprising the block copolymer. The block copolymer and polymer blends exhibit excellent optical and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A process of preparing a diblock/triblock composition in a single reaction vessel includes reacting a first monomer, such as styrene, with a first portion of an anionic catalyst in a suitable solvent to form a first polymer block of the triblock. A second step includes adding a second monomer, such as butadiene (when the first monomer is styrene). This forms a second block of the triblock and a first block of the diblock. A further addition of the first monomer completes the diblock and triblock interpolymers. At least a portion of the diblock and/or triblock interpolymers are functionally terminated with a functional terminating agent, such as cyclohexene oxide or isopropanol, to provide the blocks with a functional group. The functional group and the proportion of the interpolymers functionally terminated are selected to provide desired adhesive properties for a particular application.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for manufacturing coupled radial block copolymers of the S—B—Li type having improved optical properties, which process utilizes coupling agents having from about 3 to about 7 epoxy groups per mole.

Abstract: A process for preparing impact-modified styrene polymers (HIPS) omprises anionic polymerization of styrene in the presence of a rubber in one or more polymerization reactors in succession. The rubber is prepared in solution in an immediately upstream process. The heat of polymerization is utilized to remove the solvent for the rubber, this solvent having a boiling point lower than those of styrene and ethylbenzene, from at least one of the polymerization reactors via distillation with distillative cooling, and the solvent is reintroduced into the process of rubber preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to butadiene/isoprene/monovinyl aromatic monomer heptablock copolymers having the following symmetric structure: Z-XZ-X-Y-X-XZ-Z wherein Z represents a polymer block of monovinyl aromatic monomer, X and Y, being different from each other, represent polymer blocks of butadiene or isoprene, XZ represents a tapered copolymer block of monovinyl aromatic monomer and butadiene or isoprene, and wherein the content of the recurring units derived from monovinyl aromatic monomer is 10 to 50 percent by weight, the content of the recurring units derived from butadiene is 10-75 percent by weight and the content of the recurring units derived from isoprene is 10-75 percent by weight, all based on the weight of the block copolymer, and methods for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: A process of preparing a diblock/triblock composition in a single reaction vessel includes reacting a first monomer, such as styrene, with a first portion of an anionic catalyst in a suitable solvent to form a first polymer block of the triblock. A second step includes adding a second portion of the catalyst and a second monomer, such as butadiene (when the first monomer is styrene). A portion of the resulting living diblock polymer is then terminated by addition of a chain transfer agent, which forms a second anionic catalyst in the process. Further sequential additions of the second and first monomers copolymerize with both the remaining living diblock and with the second anionic catalyst to complete the triblock polymer and form a second portion of diblock polymer.

Abstract: The present invention has its object to provide an isobutylene group block copolymer containing a highly reactive alkenyl group with a high rate of introduction of an alkenyl, and process for producing the same. An alkenyl-group-containing isobutylene group block copolymer comprising a polymer block derived from (a) a monomer component containing isobutylene group as a predominant monomer and (b) a monomer component not containing isobutylene group as a predominant monomer, in which said block copolymer has an alkenyl group of the following general formula (1).

Abstract: There are disclosed a block copolymer of at least one elastomeric block and at least one syndiotactic polystyrene block which comprises 100 parts by weight of a polymer component comprising 1 to 80% by weight of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) block(s) and 99 to 20% by weight of rubbery elastomeric block(s) and at least 30 parts by weight of an extender. These extended block copolymer compositions display the characteristics of thermoplastic elastomers and are useful for high temperature applications possessing unique softness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rubbery polymer comprising a conjugated diene polymer, and bonded thereto, a lithium-detached residue of a lithium-containing organic polymer used as a catalyst in the production of the conjugated diene polymer, wherein the lithium-containing organic polymer is obtained by reacting an organolithium compound with a first polymerizable material comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer and a second polymerizable material comprising at least one aromatic vinyl compound, which second polymerizable material contains at least one multi-vinyl aromatic compound having at least two vinyl groups, and wherein the lithium-containing organic polymer has a specific narrow molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer blend composition containing an aromatic carbonate polymer and a rubber-modified monovinylidene aromatic copolymer comprising a star-branched rubber and optionally, a linear rubber. The polymer blend compositions according to the invention have a desirable balance of processability and when molded, impact strength.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game ball and method for making the same. The game ball has a non-ionomeric cover which has been crosslinked by incorporating a dialkyl peroxide in the polymer mix prior to molding. The game ball cover is superior in at least one of cut resistance and scuff resistance to a conventional cover that does not have covalent crosslinks but is otherwise substantially identical in composition. The game ball cover of the invention is particularly useful for improving the durability of golf balls to be struck with sharp-grooved clubs. The peroxide may be omitted and the cover crosslinked using post formation irradiation.

Abstract: Hydro-2,2-difluoroalkylvinylethers having the formula CF2═CH—O—RA  (I) wherein RA is a radical containing fluorine, optionally containing halogens such as Cl, Br, I, hydrogen, functional groups CM, COOR′, CON(R′)2, SO2OR′, m wherein R′ is a C1-C5 alkyl, RA being selected from the following: a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C2-C20 fluoroalkyl, or a saturated or unsaturated C4-C6 fluorinated cyclic group wherein optionally from 1 to 2 carbon atoms are substituted with oxygen atoms, or a linear, branched saturated or unsaturated, C3-C15 fluorooxyalkyl group, containing one or Core oxygen atoms.

Abstract: An aromatic vinyl compound-isoprene block copolymer composition comprising (i) 5-50 wt. % a branched copolymer of the formula: (A-B)nX wherein A is a polymer block of an aromatic vinyl monomer, B is a polymer block of isoprene, and X is a residue of a polyfunctional coupling agent, and (ii) 50-95 wt. % of a diblock copolymer of the formula: A-B wherein A and B are as defined above. This copolymer composition is produced by allowing an aromatic vinyl monomer to contact with an organic lithium initiator to prepare a polymer block A; incorporating isoprene thereto to prepare a diblock copolymer A-B; and then, adding a polyfunctional coupling agent to convert a part of the diblock copolymer A-B to the branched copolymer (A-B)nX. This block copolymer composition is useful for an adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive composition.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprising (a) a block copolymer composition comprising (i) a first component having a configuration of A-B, and (ii) a second component having a configuration of A-B-(B-A)n where n ranges from 1 to 20, wherein A is an alkenyl aromatic or arene hydrocarbon polymer and B is polybutadiene, and wherein the first component is present in an amount ranging from about 40 weight % to about 95 weight % based on a total weight of the block copolymer composition; (b) a polyphenylene oxide resin; and (c) a tackifier resin compatible with B.

Abstract: It has been discovered that block copolymers comprising at least two polymer blocks containing a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer contributed units and at least one polymer block conjugated diene monomer contributed units exhibit desirable adhesive properties. The vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon content [S] of the instant block copolymers is 25% to 60% by weight and the vinyl content of the conjugated diene portion [V] is 30% to 70%. The relationship between the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon content [S] and the vinyl content of the conjugated diene portion [V] satisfies the formula: 75≦[S]+[V]≦100. According to the instant invention, adhesive compositions may be prepared which contain about 10% to about 50% of the block copolymers, about 20% to about 80% of a compatible tackifying resin; about 10% to about 40% of a platicizing oil; about 0.2% to about 2.5% of various stabilizers and 0% to about 10% of a compatible wax.

Abstract: Tire rubbers which are prepared by anionic polymerization are frequently coupled with a suitable coupling agent, such as a tin halide, to improve desired properties. It has been unexpectedly found that greatly improved properties for tire rubbers, such as lower hysteresis, can be attained by asymmetrically coupling the rubber.

Abstract: A method for preparing tapered block copolymers which are particularly useful for blend components in blends with polymers of styrene. In the first embodiment of this invention the copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (4) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer. In a second embodiment of the invention tapered block copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; (4) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (5) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer.

Abstract: A method for preparing tapered block copolymers which are particularly useful for blend components in blends with polymers of styrene. In the first embodiment of this invention the copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (4) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer. In a second embodiment of the invention tapered block copolymers are prepared in a polymerization process by sequentially charging: (1) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers in the presence of a randomizer; (2) an initiator and monovinylaromatic monomers; (3) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; (4) a mixture of monovinylaromatic and conjugated diene monomers; and (5) a coupling agent; to produce a polymodal tapered block copolymer.

Abstract: Polyisobutylene (PIB) functionalized with terminal reactive unsaturation is disclosed. Carbocationically polymerized monohalogen-terminated PIB is dehydrohalogenated in a hydrocarbon solvent using an alkoxide of the formula RO-M wherein R is alkyl of at least 5 carbon atoms and M is alkali metal. The PIB obtained has terminal unsaturation which is 100% in the reactive ‘exo’ form which can be converted to succinic anhydride groups (PIB-SA) by the ene reaction with maleic anhydride. The PIB-SA is reactive with amine functional dendrimers to obtain a star-branched polymer having a dendrimer core and PIB branches joined by succinimide linkages. Blends of the star-branched polymer with polypropylene have improved energy absorption properties and controllable moisture/oxygen permeabilities useful in films.

Abstract: A crosslinkble waterborne dispersion useful as a coating on metal substrates of an epoxidized polydiene block polymer composition which comprises: (a) 10 to 65% by weight of a polydiene block polymer containing at least five olefinic epoxy groups per molecule which are sterically hindered, (b) 0.2 to 25% by weight of a compatible aminoplast, (c) 0.1 to 10% by weight of a surfactant which is nonionic or anionic and has a volatile cation, and (d) the balance water. A water-continuous process and an inversion process for making a dispersion are also described.

Abstract: The dispersibility of the initial polystyrene block in forming a S-B-S type of copolymer is improved by first preparing a small block of homopolydiene such as homopolybutadiene as a dispersing agent. Onto this small block of homopolybutadiene, the first block of polystyrene is formed and affixed and thereby made dispersible in a mixture of alkanes and 15 to 60% by weight of cycloalkanes, preferably hexane and cyclohexane. After the preparation of the dispersing agent and the first styrene block, the remaining monomer charges to the reactor are fed in aliphatic hydrocarbon diluents, preferably hexane or technical hexane, thereby greatly reducing the final percentage of cycloalkanes including cyclohexane in the reactor to less than 25% of total dispersing medium. The block copolymers produced according to the present process display a narrow molecular weight distribution and improved tensile strength over block copolymers produced in the absence of the additional cycloalkanes in the solvent system.

Abstract: A hydrogenated block copolymer comprising: at least two polymer blocks A mainly comprising vinylaromatic hydrocarbon compound monomer units; and at least two polymer blocks B mainly comprising hydrogenated conjugated diene compound monomer units, in which at least 90% of the olefinically unsaturated double bonds contained in the unhydrogenated polymer block mainly comprising the conjugated diene compound monomer units is hydrogenated, wherein at least one of the terminal blocks is a polymer block B, the proportion of the terminal polymer block B in the hydrogenated block copolymer being 0.1% by weight or higher and lower than 9.1% by weight, and wherein the content of the vinylaromatic hydrocarbon compound units in the hydrogenated block copolymer is 12% by weight or higher and lower than 25% by weight. Also disclosed are a resin composition containing the hydrogenated block copolymer, and a molded article of the resin composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bituminous compositions used for roofing and waterproofing membranes or material comprising asymmetrical coupled polyvinyl aromatic-polydiene block copolymers having improved physical properties over broader ranges of service temperatures than those obtained from bituminous compositions prepared with symmetrical block copolymers of similar type. The asymmetry of the copolymer which is characterised by polyvinyl aromatic endblocks of at least two different molecular weights, one high and one low, ensures improved physical performance to roofing and waterproofing membranes made from such compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear block copolymer comprising at least two vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon polymer blocks (S), at least two conjugated diene polymer blocks (B) and at least one vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon/conjugated diene copolymer block (B/S); the linear block copolymer having a specific block configuration wherein both terminal polymer blocks of the linear block copolymer are S blocks, both terminal S blocks have, bonded directly to the respective inner ends thereof, B blocks, and the B blocks, which are bonded directly to the respective inner ends of both terminal polymer blocks (S), have therebetween one or two B/S blocks which is or are bonded directly to the respective inner ends of the polymer blocks (B); the linear block copolymer comprising at least two fractions having different peak molecular weights, and both terminal S blocks in total comprising at least two fractions having different peak molecular weights.

Abstract: Polyisobutylene (PIB) functionalized with terminal reactive unsaturation is disclosed. Carbocationically polymerized monohalogen-terminated PIB is dehydrohalogenated in a hydrocarbon solvent using an alkoxide of the formula RO-M wherein R is alkyl of at least 5 carbon atoms and M is alkali metal. The PIB obtained has terminal unsaturation which is 100% in the reactive ‘exo’ form which can be converted to succinic anhydride groups (PIB-SA) by the ene reaction with maleic anhydride. The PIB-SA is reactive with amine functional dendrimers to obtain a star-branched polymer having a dendrimer core and PIB branches joined by succininide linkages. Blends of the star-branched polymer with polypropylene have improved energy absorption properties and controllable moisture/oxygen permeabilities useful in films.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing an anionic block polymer which comprises optionally anionically polymerizing styrene to form a homopolymer block of polystyrene, anionically polymerizing isoprene to form a hompolymer block of polyisoprene, and anionically copolymerizing styrene and isoprene to form a tapered copolymer block wherein the charge rate of both styrene and isoprene is from 15% to 75% by weight of the total tapered block monomer charge per minute and the weight ratio of the styrene to the isoprene is from 0.5:1 to 1.5:1. The process produces a unique polymer containing a tapered polymer block of styrene and isoprene which has a specific taper structure consisting of small segments of variable size of styrene monomers and isoprene monomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a creep-resistant polypropylene by means of the following steps: (a) copolymerizing propylene and ethylene into a random copolymer at 40 to 110° C. using: a catalyst system of the above-mentioned type; a portion of ethylene or C4-C10-&agr;-olefin leading to 1.0 to 10.0% by weight of ethylene repeating units in said random copolymer; and no or a minimal amount of hydrogen leading to a MFR10 value of between 0.01 and 5.0 g/10 min for said random copolymer, if this step is performed first, or to a MFR2 value for said polypropylene of between 0.05 and 0.40 g/10 min, if this step is performed after step (b); the proportion of random copolymer of this step being from 20 to 80% by weight of said polypropylene, (b) polymerizing propylene at 40 to 110° C. using: a catalyst system of the above-mentioned type; no or a minimal portion of ethylene leading to 0.0 to 1.

Abstract: The present invention has its object to provide an isobutylene group block copolymer containing a highly reactive alkenyl group with a high rate of introduction of an alkenyl, and process for producing the same. An alkenyl-group-containing isobutylene group block copolymer comprising a polymer block derived from (a) a monomer component containing isobutylene group as a predominant monomer and (b) a monomer component not containing isobutylene group as a predominant monomer, in which said block copolymer has an alkenyl group of the following general formula (1).

Abstract: It has been surprisingly found that certain properties including adhesion strength to smooth surfaces may be improved by making hot melt adhesives from blends comprising a poly-1-butene polymer, a tackifier resin, and from 3 wt. % to 25 wt. % of a liquid or semi-liquid, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated low molecular weight conjugated diene polymer prepared by anionic polymerization.