Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a compound of formula (I), wherein n is an integer from 1 to 21, said method comprises reacting a light olefin fraction, in the presence of a metathesis catalyst, with a compound having from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, of the following formula (II): wherein, n is an integer from 1 to 21, R corresponds to a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or alkenyl chain from 1 to 20 carbon atoms optionally substituted by at least one hydroxyl group, said compound of formula (II) being used alone or in a mixture of compounds of formula (II).

Abstract: Branched PHA compositions, and related methods and articles are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composition including telechelic oligomers the ends of which carry reactive functions, the method including the contacting of at least one waste material containing rubber, preferable tire waste, with a chemical degradation agent selected from cleavage agents that are specific for double bonds; and a transfer agent in the presence of a catalysts; at a temperature from 15 to 400° C., preferably from 17 to 35° C.; at ambient pressure. The composition of oligomers that can be prepared by the method is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of depolymerizing and hydrogenating polymers using a transition metal catalyst represented by formula Ia or Ib: where the structural variables are defined herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of fibres and filaments with polypropylene having a broad polydispersity index. The present invention also relates to high elongation nonwoven prepared from such fibres and filaments. It further relates to films and laminates prepared from high elongation nonwoven.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of fibers and filaments with polypropylene having a broad polydispersity index. The present invention also relates to high elongation nonwoven prepared from such fibers and filaments. It further relates to films and laminates prepared from high elongation nonwoven.

Abstract: The present invention is a polyolefin polymer containing vinyl groups at both ends thereof, and a composition and a molded product containing the polymer, wherein the polymer contains a constitutional unit derived from at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene (a), an ?-olefin (b) having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, and a cyclic olefin (c), and (1) a ratio of terminal vinylation is 70% or more relative to all of both ends of molecular chains, and (2) an intrinsic viscosity [?] is in the range of 0.01 to 10 dl/g as measured in a decalin solution at 135° C. The polymer of the present invention may be molded by a LIM molding, an injection molding, a transfer molding, a compression molding, and the like, and is excellent in acid resistance, gas permeation resistance, hydrolysis resistance, and dynamic fatigue resistance. From the polymer, a thermoplastic resin composition and a crosslinkable resin composition, and a crosslinked composition having excellent mechanical characteristics are obtained.

Abstract: Telechelic unsaturated polymers suitable for conversion to functionalized derivatives such as polyols are prepared by metathesis of an unsaturated copolymer formed by addition polymerization of ethylene, a diene or alkyne and, optionally, one or more C3.20 ?-olefins.

Abstract: The present invention is a multimodal polyethylene composition having (1) a density of at least about 0.940 g/cm3; (2) a melt flow index (I5) of from about 0.2 to about 1.5 g/10 mm; (3) a melt flow index ratio (I21/I5) of from about 20 to about 50; (4) a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, of from about 20 to about 40; and (5) a bubble stability measured on an HS50S stationary extrusion system with an BF 10-25 die, HK 300 air ring, A8 take off, and WS8 surface winder, with a 100 mm die diameter having a 50 mm 21:1 L/D grooved feed extruder used for a film of about 6×10?6 m thickness of at least about 1.22 m/s line speed, at least about 45 kg/hr (0.013 kg/sec) output rate, or at least about 0.5 lb/hr/rpm (0.0000011 kg/s/rps) specific output rate or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Clarified polyolefins such as polypropylene are used widely to make polymer articles, containers, and the like. Such articles may be manufactured by the injection of molten polymer into a mold or forming device in manufacturing processes at high rates. A clarified composition is provided to achieve optimized clarity and organoleptic performance at lower processing temperatures and/or within a polypropylene resin having a higher melt flow rate.

Abstract: An impact copolymer having a flexural modulus (ASTM D-790) of at least about 1,100 MPa; a melt flow rate (ASTM D-1238) of at least about 15 g/10 min; and a maximum load under Dynatup Impact test (ASTM D-3763) of equal to or greater than about 1,700 N at a temperature of less than or equal to about ?40° C. and articles of manufacture from same.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of viscosity index improver (V.I.I.) additives which includes treatment under high shear conditions of a composition comprising (i) one or more EP(D)M polymers and (ii) one or more polyvinylarene/hydrogenated conjugated diene/polyvinylarene block copolymers, the weight ratio (i)/(ii) ranging from 98:2 to 80:20, preferably from 97:3 to 90:10, the above process being carried out at a temperature ranging from 150° C. to 400° C., preferably from 180° C. to 320° C.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for oxygen-tailoring polyethylene resin. Polyethylene resin is conveyed through a feed zone, a melt-mixing zone and a melt zone. The resin is contacted with oxygen in an amount of at least 40 parts by weight O2 per million parts by weight resin, and contacted with primary antioxidant downstream of the point or points of oxygen contact. The oxygen-treated resin can be used to make polyethylene film having improved gauge uniformity.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable melt spun fibers comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and a polylactic acid polymer or copolymer are disclosed. A preferred configuration of the present invention is directed to environmentally degradable fibers comprising a sheath/core structure where the core comprises a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and the sheath comprises a polymer or copolymer of polylactic acid. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the environmentally degradable fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided a biodegradable and hydrolyzable resin composition having good physical properties such as tensile strength and elongation and a resin having widespread applications as wastebag films and food packaging films.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to safely produce, handle and transport packaged organic peroxide formulations comprising a reactive phlegmatiser and to the use of such packaged material in polymerisation and polymer modification processes, particularly the high-pressure (co)polymerisation process of ethylene and/or the suspension (co)polymerisation process of styrene.

Abstract: The invention provides a biodegradable polymer composition comprising a biodegradable polymer and a phenol-containing compound mixed with the polymer. The phenol-containing compound is present in the biodegradable polymer at an amount sufficient to slow the degradation rate of the biodegradable polymer. The invention also pertains to a method for slowing the degradation rate of a biodegradable polymer.

Abstract: A polyurethane is described which is a reaction product of at least one isocyanate containing material having at least two isocyanate groups and at least one compound having at least two hydrogen atoms capable of reacting with the isocyanate. The compound having the at least two hydrogen atoms contains a hydroxyalkanoate, which is preferably a thermally decomposable or a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate. The polyurethane of the present invention can be used in a number of applications and preferably has improved properties such as, but not limited to, improved flexibility and/or improved hydrophobicity. The polyurethanes of the present invention are preferably biodegradable and easily recycled.

Abstract: Disclosed are a curable resin composition, which is liquid and therefore has good workability before curing and which can be softened or liquefied at a temperature lower than the thermal decomposition temperature in a short time after curing and a curable compound used in the composition as well as a method of easily disassembling a cured material. The curable compound has at least one thermally dissociable group (a) that does not participate in crosslinking reaction and at least two groups (b) participating in crosslinking reaction selected from the group consisting of an isocyanate group, a blocked isocyanate group, an alkoxysilyl group, an epoxy group, an acid anhydride group, an amino group, a latent amino group, a mercapto group and a carboxyl group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable polyester resin composition that exhibits a rapid crystallization rate and is excellent in molding processability. This biodegradable polyester resin composition comprises biodegradable polymer (A) and aliphatic polyester (B) wherein the biodegradable polymer (A) contains aromatic dicarboxylic acid as an essential structural unit.

Abstract: There is described a process for producing ethylene homopolymers and/or interpolymers and functionalized ethylene homopolymers and/or interpolymers, having reduced melt index ratio (MIR) and reduced weight average molecular weight (Mw). Also disclosed are novel ethylene homopolymers and interpolymers and functionalized ethylene homopolymers and/or interpolymers, having melt index ratio (MIR) less than 22 and molecular weight distribution greater than 2.4. Further described are novel ethylene interpolymers and functionalized ethylene interpolymers, having a melt index ratio less than 26, a molecular weight distribution value of greater than 2.4 and a density of less than 0.95 g/cc.

Abstract: A plastic film is provided in which brittleness has been improved, and which is not too soft, and which has practically satisfactory physical properties, heat-sealability stable with time, and biodegradability in natural environment. The film comprises a polylactic acid-family polymer and other aliphatic polyester at the ratio of 80:20 to 20:80, and the heat of fusion &Dgr;Hm1 converted to the polylactic acid-family polymer when the temperature of the film is raised is 35 J/g or under.

Abstract: Biodegradable polyesters P1 obtainable by reaction of a mixture consisting essentially of (a1) a mixture consisting essentially of from 35 to 95 mol % of adipic acid or ester-forming derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, from 5 to 65 mol % of terephthalic acid or ester-forming derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, and from 0 to 5 mol % of a sulfonate compound, the sum of the individual mole percentages being 100 mol %, and (a2) a dihydroxy compound selected from the group consisting of C2-C6-alkanediols and CS-C10-cycloalkanediols, the molar ratio of (a1) to (a2) being chosen within the range from 0.4:1 to 1.5:1, with the proviso that the polyesters P1 have a molecular weight (Mn) within the range from 5000 to 50,000 g/mol, a viscosity number within the range from 30 to 350 g/ml (measured in 50:50 w/w o-dichlorobenzene/phenol at a concentration of 0.5% by weight of polyester P1 at 25° C.) and a melting point within the range from 50 to 170° C.

Abstract: A fluorinated oligomer having COOH groups at both end and a &rgr;50° value of 1,000 to 10,000 is produced by swelling a fluorine rubber crosslinking product in an organic solvent, followed by decomposition in the presence of a base and a peroxide. The obtained fluorinated oligomer is soluble in solvent and thus easy to separate from fillers, etc., and can be effectively used as a chain-elongating agent for epoxy resin, isocyanate resin, oxazoline resin, etc.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric compositions are provided, wherein biodegradable polyphosphazenes are combined with at least one other polymer, either in the form of a blend, a semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN), or an interpenetrating network IPN. The side groups and composition of the polyphosphazenes are used to determine the properties of the compositions, for example, the rate and extent of degradation, and mechanical properties. These are useful in biomedical applications, including controlled drug delivery and tissue regeneration, and environmental applications. In the most preferred embodiment, as demonstrated by the examples, the polyphosphazenes contain hydrophobic side groups, such as p-methylphenoxy and other aromatic groups, and groups which impart hydrolytic instability, such as amino acid alkyl esters, and degrade by surface erosion. A preferred example is ethyl glycinato-substituted polyphosphazene (PPHOS) with p-methylphenoxy as co-substituent.

Abstract: A novel process for the production of degraded polyolefin is described. The process involves introducing polyolefin into one end of a vented multi-screw extruder, in the substantial absence of free radical initiator and oxidizing agent, and removing degraded polyolefin from the opposite end of the extruder.

Abstract: Diene rubbers are produced in the gas phase by first polymerizing the dienes or diene mixtures in the presence of a catalyst system, which is based on rare earth compounds, at temperatures of from 0 to 150.degree. C. and at pressures of from 1 mbar to 50 bar, so that a pourable diene rubber having a Mooney viscosity ML (1+4', 100.degree. C.) of 70 to 180 Mooney units is obtained, and subsequently subjecting the pourable diene rubber obtained to a chemical or thermal decomposition reaction until a Mooney viscosity of 10 to 70 Mooney units is obtained.

Abstract: Highly flexible propylene/ethylene copolymers having a high rubber content are obtainable by two-stage polymerization from the gas phase in an agitated fixed bed by means of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system which, in addition to a titanium-containing solid component, also contains an aluminum compound as a cocatalyst, in a first polymerization stage, propylene being polymerized at from 15 to 40 bar and from 50.degree. to 90.degree. C. and during an average residence time of the reaction mixture of from 0.5 to 5 hours and then, in a second polymerization stage, a mixture of propylene and ethylene being polymerized with the polymer discharged from the first polymerization stage, at from 5 to 30 bar, this pressure being at least 2 bar below the pressure of the first polymerization stage, and at from 60.degree. to 100.degree. C. and during an average residence time of the reaction mixture of from 0.

Abstract: Disclosed are ruthenium and osmium carbene compounds which are stable in the presence of a variety of functional groups and which can be used to catalyze olefin metathesis reactions on unstrained cyclic and acyclic olefins. Specifically, the present invention relates to carbene compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein: M is Os or Ru; R and R.sup.1 are independently selected from hydrogen and functional groups C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkynyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl, aryl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 carboxylate, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkoxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkenyloxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkynyloxy, aryloxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkoxycarbonyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkylthio, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkylsulfonyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkylsulfinyl; each optionally substituted with C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl, a halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkoxy or with a phenyl group optionally substituted with a halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkoxy; X and X.sup.

Abstract: A process for reclaiming cured or semi-cured rubber, by subjecting a mass of rubber to be reclaimed to a solvent effective to swell said mass, passing the formed swollen mass of rubber through restriction means having small openings, such as a perforated plate, deleterious or devulcanizing substances being comprised in at least one of said restriction means and said swollen mass of rubber.

Abstract: Hydrodegradable polyesters based upon the random copolymerization of aromatic and absorbable aliphatic polyesters are disclosed. The hydrodegradable polyesters are useful in preparing a variety of products including disposable containers, disposable diapers, fishing lines and nets, and the like.

Abstract: Hot melt adhesive compositions, particularly biodegradable hot melt adhesives are prepared from 10 to 90% by weight of a thermoplastic methylol polyester prepared from the reaction of at least one dicarboxylic acid with a diglycidyl ether, a diglycidyl ester or a combination thereof; 0 to 90% by weight of a compatible tackifier; 0 to 80% by weight of a compatible plasticizer; 0 to 50% by weight of a compatible wax diluent and 0 to 3% by weight of a stabilizer.

Abstract: This invention relates to decomposable polyamide masses for packaging materials containing 5 to 25% by weight of an addition of linear, oligomeric aliphatic polyesters or polycarbonates with molecular weights from 800 to 4000. These additives preferably consist of polyesters of aliphatic diols and dicarboxylic acids having up to 10 carbon atoms or aliphatic carbonates having up to 10 carbon atoms.The use of such mixtures for easily degradable, decomposable polyamide packages is also claimed, in particular in the form of films or thin walled injection moulded parts for (food) packaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for reprocessing plastic wastes, in which the plastic wastes filled into vessels are autoclaved as coherent, porous bundles with high water absorption capacity in a steam atmosphere at approximately 150.degree. to 220.degree. C., preferably 165.degree. to 190.degree. C., and melted by this means, at the end of the autoclaving process, the resulting bodies of molten plastic are at least partly dried by re-evaporating the water contained therein and are cooled.

Abstract: A polyamide/aliphatic polyester block, copolymer (A) comprising a polyamide block and an aliphatic polyester block, (B) satisfying the expression T.sub.1 -T<100-C (in which T is the melting point (.degree.C.) of the above block copolymer, T.sub.1 is the melting point (.degree.C.) of a polyamide composed of the polyamide block and C is the content (wt. %) of the polyamide block), (C) exhibiting the extraction amount which satisfies the expression, when extracted in tetrahydrofuran, E<(100-C).times.0.4 (in which E is the extraction amount (wt. %) when the block copolymer is refluxed in tetrahydrofuran, and C is the content (wt. %) of the polyamide block) and (D) having an intrinsic viscosity, measured at 35.degree. C., in the range of from 0.5 to 5; a process for the production thereof; a fiber formed therefrom; and an intimate blend comprising a thermoplastic resin having no or poor compatibility with polyamide and the block copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for depolymerizing organic vulcanized rubber which contains at least one organic component. In broadest terms, the method of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) obtaining a portion of organic vulcanized rubber to be recycled; (b) treating the portion of rubber with an effective amount of:(1) a solution of at least one organic hypochlorite; and(2) at least one organic solvent; for sufficient time and at sufficient temperature whereby substantially all of the portion of the rubber is degraded to an extent so as to be dispersed in the organic solvent, whereby the organic component(s) is/are extracted therefrom.The organic vulcanized rubber (such as rubber from used tires and/or other waste sources) may be from a single source or from various sources, and those from various sources may even be comingled for treatment by the present method.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a low molecular weight isoolefin polymer by contacting at conversion conditions a higher molecular weight saturated isoolefin polymer, for example, polyisobutylene or a copolymer of a C.sub.4 to C.sub.7 isoolefin and a para-alkylstyrene, in the melt phase, with an initiator, such as an oxygen-containing gas, an organic peroxide or an azo compound.

Abstract: There is provided copolymer particles wherein the particles are derived from chemically fixed micelles that comprise a copolymer. The copolymer is an amphiphilic block or graft copolymer comprising a water soluble component and an oleophilic component that can be crosslinked in an aqueous environment; and the oleophilic component is crosslinked. The particles can be dispersed in an aqueous continuous phase. The particles can contain other materials associated with the oleophilic component such as biochemical agents or other materials such as photographic materials such as couplers and dyes.

Abstract: Depolymerizing high molecular weight polyhydroxy acid by reacting with an amine to produce an amide derivative.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a low molecular weight isoolefin polymer by contacting at conversion conditions a higher molecular weight saturated isoolefin polymer, for example, polyisobutylene or a copolymer of a C.sub.4 to C.sub.7 isoolefin and a para-alkylstyrene, in the melt phase, with an initiator, such as an oxygen-containing gas, an organic peroxide or an azo compound.

Abstract: An environmentally degradable composition comprises blends of a physical mixture of a poly(lactic acid), comprising about 1 to 99 weight percent of the composition, and an elastomeric blend compatible polymer, such as a segmented polyester, that provides improved impact resistance to the poly(lactic acid) and is discrete and intimately bound; plasticizer is added to the blend that is selected from the group consisting of lactide monomer, lactic acid oligomer, lactic acid, and mixtures thereof. Other plasticizer that may be added includes one or more derivatives of an oligomer of lactic acid, its esters and copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved microfine propylene polymer powders having reduced fines which are comprised of spherical or substantially spherical particles and have a number average particle size from about 25 to about 60. A process for preparing the improved powders is also provided. The process involves dispersing a molten propylene homopolymer or copolymer which has been visbroken in a liquid medium in the presence of a nonionic surfactant, cooling the dispersion below the melt point of the propylene polymer and recovering the powder.

Abstract: Biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin moldings and a process for producing same are disclosed, the biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin moldings being comprised of a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester resin as a matrix resin having dispersed therein an other type of thermoplastic resin in a proportion of 40-75 weight % based on the whole resin. The biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin moldings is easily disintegrable after disposal in an environment where microorganisms exist so that the moldings can be reduced in bulkness and give no harmful effect on the life of natural plants and animals. Thus, the present invention affords an effective means for solving various problems in the treatment of disposed plastic articles.

Abstract: A biologically degradable film is prepared consisting of a synthetic polymer and a biologically degradable polymer. The biologically degradable polymer is divided into small particles in an aqueous suspension by means of enzymes that split and release small molecules from the surface of the biopolymer particles. After achieving desired particle size, an emulsion is formed with vegetable oil and the particles coated with enzyme protein become coated with vegetable oil, which at the same time interrupts the degradation of the biopolymer particles by the enzyme. The coated particles with the oil are separated from the suspension to remove small molecules after which the particles are re-dried and then pulverized. The final film is prepared in a film extruder in which the biopolymer is mixed with the synthetic polymer and possibly other additives that are generally used informing polymer films.

Abstract: Selective thermodegradation of homo- and copolymers of propylene, without encountering thermo-oxidation phenomena, by treating the polymer at 250.degree.-350.degree. C. in the presence of primary and/or secondary antioxidant and of a derivative of benzopinacol having formula (I): ##STR1## wherein n=1, or=0, and when n=1, X may be=1, and in this case Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2 form together with each other ##STR2## groups, ##STR3## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, which may be the same or different, are alkyl or aryl radicals;or X ranges from 3 to 20 and in this case Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2 are aryl radicals, A and B are R.sub.1 -Si-R.sub.2 groups that are part of an oligomer having formula: ##STR4## and when n=0, X is=1, Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.

Abstract: A thermoplastic pelletizable polymer composition comprising an oligomer or degraded polyolefin and an olefinic elastomer. Optionally, the composition can also include a polyolefin thermoplastic polymer. The composition, when converted to a film or fabric meets the criteria or drapability, low hardness on the Shore A scale, high melt flow and reprocessability.

Abstract: A novel process for providing a thermoplastic polymer having unique thermal characteristics including the step of cooling the polymer during extended mastication until the melt index of the polymer is substantially increased.

Abstract: The composition of crystalline 1-butene polymer comprising:(a) a crystalline 1-butene polymer containing a 1-butene component as a main component, and(b) a radical-treated crystalline olefinic polymer having (1) a boiling p-xylene-insoluble content of 30% by weight at most and (2) the relation satisfying the following expressionTc.sup.CL -Tc.sup.O .gtoreq.1wherein Tc.sup.CL is the crystallization temperature (.degree.C.) of the radical-treated crystalline olefinic polymer, and Tc.sup.O is the crystallization temperature of the crystalline olefinic polymer before the radical treatment, and(c) the proportion of the radical-treated crystalline olefinic polymer (b) being 0.2 to 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the crystalline 1-butene polymer (a).

Abstract: The composition of crystalline 1-butene polymer comprising(a) a crystalline 1-butene polymer containing a 1-butene component as a main component, and(b) a radical-treated crystalline olefinic polymer having (1) a boiling p-xylene-insoluble content of 30% by weight at most and (2) the relation satisfying the following expressionTc.sup.CL -Tc.sup.O .gtoreq.1wherein Tc.sup.CL is the crystallization temperature (.degree.C.) of the radical-treated crystalline olefinic polymer, and Tc.sup.O is the crystallization temperature of the crystalline olefinic polymer before the radical treatment, and (c) the proportion of the radical-treated crystalline olefinic polymer (b) being 0.2 to 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the crystalline 1-butene polymer (a).

Abstract: A process for producing a polypropylene-polystyrene interpolymer which can be impregnated with a blowing agent and can then be expanded under normal conditions for polystyrene particles to low density, fine cell structure foams. The interpolymer is viscbroken during the polymerization of the styrene. The polypropylene is lubricated prior to formation of the interpolymer. The process forms particles which can be impregnated with blowing agent directly.