Abstract: The present invention relates to a hot melt adhesive composition useful for articles such as plasters, bandages and tapes which are adhesively adhered to skin. The adhesive may be coated continuously and preferably, discontinuously onto a substrate. More preferably, the hot melt adhesive composition is pattern-coated. The adhesive is permanently adhered to at least one substrate of the article and removably or releasably attachable to skin. The adhesive advantageously does not cause skin irritation nor transfers adhesive to the skin upon removal.

Abstract: Elastomeric block copolymers comprising at least one hard block A composed of styrene monomers and at least one elastomeric block (B/A) composed of styrene monomers and dienes, the glass transition temperature Tg of the block A being more than 25° C. and that of block (B/A) being less than 25° C. and the phase volume ratio of block A to block (B/A) being chosen so that the proportion of the hard phase in the total block copolymer is from 1 to 40% by volume and the amount by weight of the diene is less than 50% by weight, and the relative proportion of 1,2 linkages of the polydiene, based on the sum of 1,2- and 1,4-cis/trans linkages, being below 15%, are prepared by anionic polymerization by means of a lithium alkyl in a nonpolar solvent in the presence of a soluble potassium salt and are used for the production of shaped articles.

Abstract: This invention is a method for producing butadiene-isoprene block copolymers with a specified amount of residual unsaturation in the polyisoprene blocks utilizing a hydrogenation catalyst wherein the hydrogenation residence time is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention is a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive comprising a block copolymer structure having an A--B--A backbone block copolymer having B or C blocks attached to the backbone, wherein the A--B--A block backbone is saturated and the B or C block is of the same composition or of a different composition than the midblock of the backbone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene block copolymer composed of a bound aromatic vinyl unit and a bound conjugated diene unit and containing at least a block aromatic vinyl segment, wherein:(1) a content of the bound aromatic vinyl unit in the block copolymer is 3 to 60 wt. %;(2) a proportion of block aromatic vinyl segment portions having a molecular weight at most a third of a molecular weight (A-Mp) corresponding to a peak in a molecular weight distribution curve of the block aromatic vinyl segment (A) as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is 55 to 90 mol % based on the total content of the block aromatic vinyl segment (A); and(3) a molecular weight (Mp) corresponding to a peak in a molecular weight distribution curve of the block copolymer as determined by GPC is 10,000 to 1,000,000, a production process thereof, a resin composition comprising the aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene block copolymer, and a preparation process of the resin composition.

Abstract: A process for interpolymerizing a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon polymer and a block polymer is disclosed. The process includes the following steps: (a) forming a block polymer precursor of at least one polymeric block containing conjugated diene monomer contributed units in the presence of an anionic initiator and in an inert diluent, the block polymer precursor having living ends; and (b) thereafter adding to the block polymer precursor a charge of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer and an additional charge of an anionic initiator to simultaneously form (1) a block polymer having a terminal block formed from the charge of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer attached to the block polymer precursor and (2) a poly(vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon) polymer interpolymedzed with the block polymer. The practice of this process produces a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon block terminated block polymer, such as SBS, interpolymerized with a polymer formed from vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer, such as polystyrene.

Abstract: This invention provides novel protected, multi-functionalized multi-arm polymers, their optionally hydrogenated analogues and optionally deprotected analogues thereof, and processes for making these compounds. In the invention, monomers are polymerized using a protected functionalized initiator to form living polymer anions, the living anions coupled to form multi-arm polymers, additional monomer added to form additional polymer arms, and the multi-arm polymer functionalized using electrophiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for polymerizing block polymers of general formula (I): ##STR1## in which process the following are brought into contact with each other: an ethylenically unsaturated monomer of formula:CYY'(.dbd.CW--CW').sub.a .dbd.CH.sub.2,a precursor compoun of general formula (II): ##STR2## a radical polymerization initiator.

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: Cold flow is a problem that is commonly encountered in the handling and storage of low molecular weight linear rubbers, such as low vinyl polybutadiene rubber and isoprene-butadiene rubber. This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that the cold flow of such rubbery polymers can be greatly reduced by incorporating a small block of polystyrene therein. The rubbery polymers of this invention which exhibit a low level of cold flow can be synthesized by simply terpolymerizing 1,3-butadiene, isoprene and from about 0.5 phm to about 3 phm of styrene under anionic polymerization conditions in the absence of a polar modifier. It is preferred to utilize batch polymerization techniques. However, continuous polymerization techniques can also be utilized. This invention more specifically disclosed a rubbery polymer which is comprised of polymer chains containing repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene, isoprene and from about 0.

Abstract: A system for preparing oriented block copolymer structures includes a copolymer solution, a device capable of providing a flow field and an evaporation device. The device can be at least two cylinders that are parallel and adjacent to one another to form a nip and a driving mechanism to rotate each cylinder. Means for controlling a solvent environment and evaporation are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene block copolymer composed of a bound aromatic vinyl unit and a bound conjugated diene unit and containing at least a block aromatic vinyl segment, wherein:(1) a content of the bound aromatic vinyl unit in the block copolymer is 5 to 60 wt.

Abstract: The rubber for high-performance tire tread of the invention basically includes: (a) about 10%.about.50% weight percentage low molecular weight coupled copolymer of aromatic vinyl compound and conjugated diene or conjugated diene monopolymer, having a molecular weight of 5.times.10.sup.4 .about.35.times.10.sup.4, (b) about 10%.about.60% weight percentage middle molecular weight uncoupled copolymer of aromatic vinyl compound and conjugated diene, having a molecular weight of 10.times.10.sup.4 .about.80.times.10.sup.4, and (c) 5.about.60% weight percentage high molecular weight coupled copolymer of aromatic vinyl compound and conjugated diene, having a molecular weight of 45.times.10.sup.4 .about.200.times.10.sup.4.

Abstract: A dynamic star polymer contains a plurality of at least three substantially identical block copolymers, each block copolymer including an aromatic polymer moiety having a glass transition temperature of at least about 95.degree. C., and an aliphatic polymer moiety incompatible with the aromatic polymer moiety. The aromatic moieties of each of the formed block copolymers aggregate to form a chemically uncrosslinked core, while the aliphatic polymer moieties radiate outwardly from the core. The multi-arm star polymer is uniquely capable of changing its molecular structure under external influences, and the core thereof preferably exhibits thermoplastic characteristics.

Abstract: This invention provides a process to produce coupled block copolymers and said coupled block copolymers.

Abstract: A thin-walled rubber article with a relatively low modulus, prepared by dip forming, formed from a composition comprising styrene-isoprene-styrene (S-I-S) triblock copolymer, and styrene-butadiene-styrene (S-B-S) triblock copolymer with a S-I-S content in excess of at least 76% by weight. The composition additionally contains antiblocking agent to prevent the articles from sticking together, especially polyethylene wax. The articles are preferably gloves.

Abstract: Compositions comprising reaction product of higher molecular weight olefinic reactants with carboxylic reactants of the formula R.sup.3 C(O)(R.sup.4).sub.n C(O)OR.sup.5 (IV) or the corresponding acetals, hemiacetals, ketals, and hemiketals thereof are useful as intermediates for further reaction in the preparation of lubricating oil additives.

Abstract: A viscosity modifier comprising a low molecular weight block copolymer including A blocks and B blocks, wherein the A blocks comprise at least about 93 wt. % polyethylene and the B blocks comprise a copolymer of between about 40 wt. % to 75 wt. % ethylene and at least one other .alpha.-olefin; wherein the resulting block copolymer has an average ethylene content of between about 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %.

Abstract: Processes for the synthesis of star or multi-branched polymers and the resultant polymers. One or more alkadiene monomers are polymerized in the presence of suitable organometallic initiators and subsequently coupled to form star polymers. Prior to coupling, one or more alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons are incorporated at the living ends of the polydienyl anions to provide increased linking efficiencies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curable resin which comprises at least one polymer selected from polymers each independently having a polymer chain represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## wherein A to F are monomer units constituting a main chain of the polymer and are arranged in any order, and a to f are, respectively, wt % of A to F, based on the total weight of A to F; wherein each A is independently selected from cyclic olefin monomer units having no reactive group, each B is independently selected cyclic conjugated diene monomer units having no reactive group, each C to F is independently selected from comonomer units having no reactive group, and copolymerizable with A and B, wherein Q.sub.1 to Q.sub.6 are reactive groups, and wherein the average total number (J) of Q.sub.1 to Q.sub.6 of the at least one polymer satisfies: 1.ltoreq.(J).ltoreq.4, the polymer having an ME of from 1,000 to 5,000,000. A resin composition containing the curable resin is also disclosed.

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: This invention provides a process to produce a composition that comprises diluent and copolymer and also provides the composition. The process of this invention comprises: (a) producing a composition that comprises diluent and copolymer; and (b) removing a portion of said diluent from said composition. This produces a composition that has a lower amount of diluent and a lower amount of imperfections.

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: The present invention includes star polymers which can be used as viscosity index improvers in oil compositions formulated for high performance engines. The star polymers have tetrablock copolymer arms of hydrogenated polyisoprene-polybutadiene-polyisoprene with a block of polystyrene and which provide excellent low temperature performance in lubricating oils, exhibit good thickening efficiency, and are finishable as polymer crumb.

Abstract: An elastomeric block copolymer comprising at least one block A having polymerized units of a vinylaromatic monomer and forming a rigid phase and at least one elastomeric block B/A having polymerized units of both vinylaromatic monomers and of a diene and forming a flexible phase, and glass transition temperature Tg of the block A being above 25.degree. C. and that of the block B/A being below 25.degree. C. and the phase volume ratio of block A to block B/A being chosen so that the amount of the rigid phase in the total block copolymer is 1 to 40% by volume and the amount of the diene is less than 50% by weight.

Abstract: A removable grade hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive, comprising from about 10% to about 50% by weight of the adhesive of at least one styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer having a diblock content of greater than about 50% a melt index of less than about 30 grams/10 minutes; from about 10% to about 40% by weight of the adhesive of at least one tackifying resin having a softening point of less than about 120.degree. C. and from about 10% to about 50% by weight of the adhesive of a liquid plasticizer. The resultant adhesive has 180.degree. peel values to stainless steel of less than about 4.0 pounds per linear inch.

Abstract: A method for hydrogenating living polymers that include mainly conjugated double bond monomers and aromatic vinyl monomers. At least one conjugated diene compound is polymerized or copolymerized in an inert solvent by using a polymerization initiator of organic alkali metal. The produced polymer is contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst is formed of a cyclopentadienyl titanium compound represented by: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently selected from halogen groups, C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl groups, C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkoxy groups, C.sub.6 -C.sub.20 aryloxy groups, C.sub.6 -C.sub.20 cycloalkyl groups, silyl groups, and carbonyl groups. A cocatalyst is provided of alkoxylithium compound represented by:R.sub.4 O--Liwherein R.sub.4 is a hydrocarbon. This cocatalyst selectively hydrogenates the unsaturated double bonds in the conjugated diene units of the living polymer.

Abstract: Abstract of the disclosure: A process is described for the continuous preparation of an impact-resistant molding material by anionic polymerization of styrene or another aromatic vinyl compound or mixtures thereof in the presence of a solvent and a block rubber, wherein the polymerization is carried out in at least 2 reaction vessels that together form a reactor cascade, the monomer stream being subdivided among the reaction vessels present, the living polymer chain ends being terminated in a conventional manner and the solvent being removed.

Abstract: Process for producing hydrogenated rubbers which allows an easy and effective deactivation of the living polymer before the hydrogenation step. The deactivation of living polymer is carried out using compounds with very good solubility in water of formula R--OH, R--COOH or compound of type R'.sub.n --Si--Cl.sub.4-n, R'.sub.n --Sn--Cl.sub.4-n, with n comprised between 0 and 3, extremes included; wherein R is a C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkyl group optionally containing one or more polar functional groups selected from C--OH, COOH, and R' is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.20 aryl. The catalysts used in the hydrogenation of the deactivated polymer are titanocene compounds, being the most preferred those of formula Cp.sub.2 Ti (PhOCH.sub.3).sub.2 and Cp.sub.2 Ti (CH.sub.2 PPh.sub.2).sub.2.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for synthesizing a styrene-butadiene polymer, which is particularly useful for modifying asphalt to improve force ductility, elastic recovery, toughness and tenacity, by a process which comprises the steps of: (1) continuously charging 1,3-butadiene monomer, an organo lithium compound, a polar modifier and an organic solvent into a first polymerization zone, (2) allowing the 1,3-butadiene monomer to polymerize in said first polymerization zone to a conversion of at least about 90 percent to produce a living polymer solution which is comprised of said organic solvent and living polybutadiene chains having a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 20,000 to about 60,000, (3) continuously withdrawing said living polymer solution from said first reaction zone, (4) continuously charging styrene monomer, divinyl benzene and the living polymer solution being withdrawn from the first polymerization zone into a second polymerization zone, (5) allowing the s

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition for powder coatings which comprises (a) 40 to 95 parts by weight of a solid epoxy resin having at least two epoxy groups in a molecule, an epoxy equivalent of 400 to 2500, and a softening point of 50.degree. C. to 150.degree. C., and (b) 5 to 60 parts by weight of an epoxidized polydiene polymer having a main structure of general Formula (I) in which aliphatic double bonds are partially epoxidized.

Abstract: Solid star-branched block copolymers wherein each branch comprises at least two (2) alternating blocks bonded to each other, the free end of each branch being a block of at least one polymerized hydrocarbon conjugated diene (I), e.g. isoprene, containing at least 5 carbon atoms, with at least one carbon atom of each pair of residual double-bonded carbon atoms of polymerized diene (I) units being additionally single-bonded to two carbon atoms, or a copolymer of a least one diene (I) and at least one aryl-substituted olefin, e.g. styrene, the blocks adjacent to said polymerized diene (I) containing blocks constituting at least 50 wt. % of said copolymer and being a polymer of at least one hydrocarbon conjugated diene (B), e.g., 1,3-butadiene, which is different from diene (I) and contains at least four (4) carbons atoms, with each residual double-bonded carbon atom of polymerized conjugated diene (B) units being additionally bonded to a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: Curing system for fluoroelastomers curable by peroxidic route which comprise iodine comprising as curing agent a bis-olefin having general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, equal to or different from each other, are H or alkyl C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 ; Z is a linear or branched alkylenic or cycloalkylenic radical C.sub.1 -C.sub.18, optionally containing oxygen atoms, preferably at least partially fluorinated, or a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylenic radical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogenated polybutadiene comprising monomeric units of 1,4-butadiene and 1,2-butadiene addition products. The copolymer is hydrogenated and comprises at least 10% by weight of at least one crystallizable segment and at least one low crystallinity segment.

Abstract: A process for preparing block copolymers containing at least one block A, constructed from units of styrene or its technical equivalents (a), and at least one block C, constructed from units of a cyclic lactone (c), by anionic polymerization comprises reacting the living chain end remaining following the construction of block A with a diarylethylene, especially 1,1-diphenylethylene, under anionic polymerization conditions before reaction with the monomer (c), and preferably attaching in a conventional manner to the living end of block A a further block B, constructed from units of a diene, and also at least one further monomer unit (a) before the reaction with the diarylethylene. The block copolymer is useful for producing shaped articles, films or fibers or as a compatibilizer in polymer blends.

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: Pressure sensitive structural adhesive and sealant compositions comprising: (a) a polymer system comprising from 95 to 15 percent by weight of a telechelic polymer and from 5 to 85 percent by weight of a heterotelechelic polymer wherein at least one of the functionalities thereon is the same as the functionality on the telechelic polymer, and (b) a dual curing system wherein one element of the curing system cures the telechelic polymer and the common functionality on the heterotelechelic polymer and the other element cures the functionality on the heterotelechelic polymer but does not cure under the conditions required to cure the telechelic polymer to form a structural adhesive or sealant composition. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer system is comprised of a hydroxyl functional telechelic diol or polyol polymer and the heterotelechelic polymer is a monohydroxylated polydiene polymer which also has epoxidized olefin functionality.

Abstract: An adhesive composition suitable for a hot melt adhesive or hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive, which comprises a block copolymer (a) and a tackifier (b), wherein said block copolymer (a) has at least one polymer block A being a hydrogenated butadiene polymer block having a 1,2-bond content of 20 mol % or less and at least one polymer block B substantially having an olefin polymer structure different from the polymer block A and having a glass transition temperature of -20.degree. C. or less and a heat of crystalline fusion of 8 cal/g or lower, and containing the polymer block A before hydrogenation in an amount of 3 to 80 wt. %.

Abstract: To provide a thermoplastic polyester resin composition having excellent impact resistance, weldability and fluidity.100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic polyester resin (A) having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 0.55 dl/g and containing at least 30 milliequivalents/kg of carboxyl end groups is blended with 1 to 10 parts by weight of a modified block copolymer (B) comprising a polymer block mainly comprising a vinyl aromatic compound and another polymer block mainly comprising a nonhydrogenated and/or hydrogenated conjugated diene compound in the same molecule wherein the conjugated diene component is partially or wholly epoxidized.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive structural adhesive or sealant composition comprises a) a polymer system containing from 95 to 15 percent by weight of a telechelic polymer such as a polyhydroxylated diene block polymer and from 5 to 85 percent by weight of a heterotelechelic polymer such as an epoxidized monohydroxylated diene block polymer, and b) a dual curing system wherein one element such as a polyisocyanate cures the telechelic polymer at ambient temperature, and the other element such as an amino resin cures the heterotelechelic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition of matter consisting of a high impact polystyrene exhibiting improved environmental stress crack resistance. The HIPS material is formed utilizing polybutadiene, polyisoprene, and copolymers thereof with styrene, having a Mooney viscosity exceeding about 35 and a gel content of up to about 28%. The present invention discloses the use of a combination of lubricant additives to obtain a HIPS material with higher ESCR values than either additive alone could provide, and also discloses the optimum level of each additive.

Abstract: Thermoplastic molding compounds comprise as essential componentsA) from 10 to 100% by weight of copolymers of the monomers of the general formulae I and II ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is H or alkyl of 1-22 carbon atoms,R.sub.2 is H or alkyl of 1-22 carbon atoms,R.sub.3 is H or alkyl of 1-4 carbon atoms,a is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, andb is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5,B) from 0 to 3000 ppm, based on the weight of component A, of compounds of the general formula I,C) from 0 to 500 ppm, based on the weight of component A, of compounds of the general formula II,D) from 0 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the molding compound, of polymers other than A), andE) from 0 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the molding compound, of additives and processing aids.

Abstract: A rubber-modified styrenic resin composition which has high falling impact strength, high gloss, high tensile strength and the product produced from which has little or no unpleasant odor is provided by controlling the residual styrenic monomers in the resin composition to a content of below 1500 ppm and the residual 4-vinyl cyclohexene to a content of below 150 ppm. The number average particle size of the butadienic rubber is 0.08 to 0.35 .mu.m, the amount of butadienic rubber particles having a particle size of below 0.1 .mu.m is 19.5 to 99%, the amount of the butadienic rubber particles having a particle size of between 0.1 to 0.25 .mu.m is 0.5 to 60%, and the amount of the butadienic rubber particles having a particle size greater than 0.25 .mu.m is 0.5 to 80%, based on the total number of the butadienic rubber particles.

Abstract: Polymer particles are prepared by polymerizing at least one monomer in the presence of block copolymers or graft copolymers in an organic dispersant which does not dissolve the polymer to be prepared, and subjecting at least one monomer to free radical polymerization in the presence of the polymer obtained therefrom.

Abstract: A process for producing an epoxidized block copolymer, which comprises the steps of: (1) mixing a block copolymer (C) comprising a polymer block (A) composed mainly of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon compound and a polymer block (B) composed mainly of a conjugated diene compound, or a hydrogenation product (D) of the block copolymer (C), with an organic solvent so as to obtain an organic solvent solution or organic solvent slurry having a polymer concentration of 5 to 50% by weight; (2) epoxidizing unsaturated carbon bonds contained in a polymer block (B) composed mainly of a conjugated diene compound with an epoxidizing agent that is an acetic ester solution of peracetic acid, not containing water; and (3) evaporating off the organic solvent from the reaction mixture to thereby obtain an epoxidized block copolymer.

Abstract: A multifunctional anionic polymerization initiator which is in the form of a star-shaped polymer, and which is soluble in a nonpolar medium and is substantially free of residual double bonds. The initiator is denoted by the general formula (PA).sub.a N.sup.n- nLi.sup.+. PA is a polymer block of a vinylaromatic or diene monomer A. The variable "a" is the number of branches in the block PA. N is a crosslinked core comprising no or practically no residual double bonds and has the formula (PMc)(RLi).sub.p. Mc is a monomer containing at least two polymerizable double bonds per molecule. PMc is a crosslinked core of at least one polymerized monomer Mc, containing 3 to 30% of residual double bonds in relation to the initial double bonds originating from the monomer Mc. R is an alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, cycloalkyl, or alkenyl. The variable "p" is the number of residual double bonds in PMc which are neutralized by RLi. The variable "n" is the number of anionic sites present in the crosslinked core N.

Abstract: The synthesis and characterization of novel linear polymers and multi-arm star polymers comprising polyisobutylene arms connected to a well-defined calixarene core are described. The synthesis has been achieved using the "core first" method wherein multifunctional calix?n!arene (where n=4 to 16) derivatives or their monofunctional analogues are used as initiators which, in conjunction with certain Freidel-Crafts acids as co-initiators, induce the living polymerization of isobutylene or a similar carbocationic polymerizable monomer to form star polymers or block copolymers. Novel initiators suitable for inducing the polymerization are also described.

Abstract: The present invention includes star polymers which can be used as viscosity index improvers in oil compositions formulated for high performance engines. The star polymers have copolymer arms of hydrogenated polyisoprene and polystyrene with sufficient amounts of polystyrene to be finishable as a polymer crumb.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses nontapered block copolymers of the following structure and adhesives containing themD--A--(B--A).sub.n --D.sub.xor(D--A--B).sub.z --Ywhere A is a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon polymer block, B and D are hydrogenated conjugated diene polymer blocks wherein if the diene is butadiene, it must have a vinyl content of at least 30 percent by weight, n is an integer from 1 to 5, x is 0 or 1, z is an integer from 2 to 30, and Y is a multifunctional coupling agent and the copolymer has a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon content of from 9 to 35 percent by weight. The ratio of the molecular weight of D to that of B ranges in accordance with the normalized molecular weight factor which may range from greater than 0 up to 180.times.10.sup.-6.

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.