Abstract: A polymer composition comprises (a) 50 to 100 phr of one or more branched thermoplastic elastomers each comprising an unsaturated elastomer block and at least three thermoplastic styrene blocks, the thermoplastic styrene blocks of each branched thermoplastic elastomer representing from 15% to 75%, preferably from 15% to 50%, by weight of the weight of each branched thermoplastic elastomer, and (b) 10 to 100 phr of one or more thermoplastic styrene polymers having a molecular mass of between 25,000 and 300,000 g/mol, preferably between 50,000 and 200,000 g/mol.

Abstract: Tires having an electrically conductive tire sealing material containing metallic electrically conductive particles are described for detecting the presence of one or more sealed puncture areas in the tire. The tires can have a sealed tire portion that is formed by the electrically conductive tire sealing material flowing into and filling a puncture in the tire. The sealed tire portion includes a portion having electrically conductive particles and the portion being at the outer surface of the tire such as in the tread area. The tire can be positioned to be in contact with a conductive section of an apparatus capable of measuring electrical conductivity.

Abstract: Provided are a tread rubber composition which provides a balanced improvement in wet grip performance and resistance to low-temperature brittleness, and a pneumatic tire including a tread at least partially containing the rubber composition. The present invention relates to a tread rubber composition containing a styrene-butadiene rubber and having a tan ? peak temperature of ?10° C. or higher and a brittleness temperature of ?40° C. or lower.

Abstract: Provided is an anti-vibration rubber composition, including the following components (A) to (D), in which a ratio of the component (B) to a total content of the components (A) and (B) is from 5 wt. % to 20 wt. %: (A) A natural rubber, or a blended rubber of the natural rubber and a butadiene rubber; (B) A hydrogenated styrene-butadiene block copolymer; (C) A sulfur-based vulcanizing agent; (D) Zinc monomethacrylate. Thus, there can be provided an anti-vibration rubber composition and an anti-vibration rubber each of which is excellent in heat resistance, and has both a high damping property and a low dynamic-to-static modulus ratio.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer with a narrow molecular weight distribution is disclosed. The preferred PAN polymer has a PDI (Mw/Mn) of about 2 or less. Such PAN polymer is synthesized by controlled/living radical polymerization using a special RAFT (Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer) agent. Also disclosed is a method for producing carbon fibers from PAN polymer with low PDI.

Abstract: A tire tread comprises a composition based on at least an elastomer matrix comprising a polyisoprene and an unsaturated thermoplastic styrene elastomer which represents at most 50% by weight of the elastomer matrix, a reinforcing filler and a crosslinking system. The unsaturated thermoplastic styrene elastomer comprises at least one rigid styrene segment and at least one flexible isoprene segment, which at least one flexible isoprene segment has a glass transition temperature of less than ?20° C. Such a tread exhibits an improved resistance to crack propagation.

Abstract: Paste compositions, methods of making a paste composition, photovoltaic cells, and methods of making a photovoltaic cell contact are disclosed. The paste composition can include a conductive metal component such as aluminum, phosphate glass, phosphorus compounds such as alky! phosphate, and a vehicle. The contact can be formed on a passivation layer on a silicon wafer by applying the paste on the passivation layer and firing the paste. During firing, the metal component can fire through the passivation layer, thereby electrically contacting the silicon substrate.

Abstract: New compositions and methods of using those compositions as bonding compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a polymer dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system, and can be used to bond an active wafer to a carrier wafer or substrate to assist in protecting the active wafer and its active sites during subsequent processing and handling. The compositions form bonding layers that are chemically and thermally resistant, but that can also be softened to allow the wafers to slide apart at the appropriate stage in the fabrication process.

Abstract: Provided is a rubber composition for conveyor belts capable of satisfying both energy efficiency and durability. Concretely provided is a rubber composition for conveyor belts comprising (A) 100 parts by mass of a dienic polymer, and (B) from 25 to 55 parts by mass of carbon black including carbon black (b-1) having a nitrogen-adsorbing specific surface area of from 60 to 100 m2/g and a dibutyl phthalate oil absorption of less than 110 ml/100 g, and carbon black (b-2) having a nitrogen-adsorbing specific surface area of less than 60 m2/g and a dibutyl phthalate oil absorption of at least 110 ml/100 g. Further provided are a conveyor belt obtained using the rubber composition for conveyor belts, and a belt conveyor having the conveyor belt mounted thereto.

Abstract: A rubber composition used for forming a tread of a tire includes an elastomer matrix, a reinforcing filler, and a coupling agent. The elastomer matrix includes from 60 to 95 phr of at least one diene elastomer and from 5 to 40 phr of a polar thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The polar TPE includes at least one elastomer block and one polar thermoplastic block selected from a homopolymer or copolymers of an alkylacrylic acid ester, with an alkyl radical containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The reinforcing filler includes a reinforcing inorganic filler. The presence of the polar TPE makes it possible to improve a compromise of wet grip and dry grip performances of the tread.

Abstract: Disclosed are cold flow resistant and dimensionally stable compositions containing a diene rubber and a conjugated diene monovinylarene block copolymer, and generally, these compositions have solutions viscosities and cold flows that are less than that of the diene rubber. Methods for reducing cold flow and for storage-stabilizing bales of diene rubbers also are disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible tubing material includes a radiation crosslinked blend of a first elastomeric polymer including a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer, an ethylene vinyl acetate elastomer, a polyolefin elastomer with a second elastomeric polymer including a polyolefin elastomer, a diene elastomer, or combination thereof, with the proviso that the first elastomeric polymer and the second elastomeric polymer are different. In an embodiment, a method of making a material includes providing the first elastomeric polymer, providing the second elastomeric polymer, blending the first elastomeric polymer and the second elastomeric polymer, extruding or injection molding the blend, and crosslinking the blend with radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed are cold flow resistant and dimensionally stable compositions containing a diene rubber and a conjugated diene monovinylarene block copolymer, and generally, these compositions have solutions viscosities and cold flows that are less than that of the diene rubber. Methods for reducing cold flow and for storage-stabilizing bales of diene rubbers also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermoplastic polymer composition which contains 10-120 parts by mass of a polar group-containing polypropylene resin (B) per 100 parts by mass of a thermoplastic elastomer (A) that is a block copolymer having a polymer block containing an aromatic vinyl compound unit and a polymer block composed of a conjugated diene unit having 40% by mole or more of 1,2-bonds and 3,4-bonds in total, or a hydrogenated product of the block copolymer (provided that a thermoplastic polymer composition containing 1 part by mass or more of a polyvinyl acetal resin is excluded). This thermoplastic polymer composition is able to be bonded with a ceramic, a metal or a synthetic resin without requiring a primer treatment, and has excellent flexibility, mechanical characteristics, moldability, heat resistance and storage stability.

Abstract: A tire includes an internal layer, having improved airtightness. The layer includes at least one rubber composition, which includes: at least one or more diene elastomers at a total content of 1 to 99 phr, one or more thermoplastic elastomers having a polyisobutylene block at a total content of 1 to 99 phr, optionally a reinforcing filler at a content of 0 to 120 phr, and a crosslinking system.

Abstract: A high impact polystyrene (HIPS) is made from styrene monomer and 3 to 20 wt % of an elastomeric component phase including polybutadiene rubber and styrene butadiene copolymer. The HIPS has a 60 degree gloss of 90 or more, a Gardner drop of at least 10 in-lb, and an Izod impact strength of 1.8 ft-lb/in or more. The HIPS can have salami morphology with rubber particle size between 1 and 1.3 microns.

Abstract: A process for producing rubber modified polymers having an increased rubber phase volume, including feeding a vinyl aromatic monomer and an elastomer to a polymerization reactor to form a reaction mixture, polymerizing the reaction mixture, combining a copolymer to the polymerized reaction mixture to form a combined mixture, subjecting the combined mixture to further polymerization, and obtaining a rubber modified polymer product from the further polymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to elastic expanded polymer foams and also a process for producing expanded polymer foams by sintering a mixture comprising foam particles P1 and P2 composed of different thermoplastic polymers or polymer blends, wherein the foam particles P1 are obtained by prefoaming expandable, thermoplastic polymer particles comprising A) from 45 to 97.9 percent by weight of a styrene polymer, B1) from 1 to 45 percent by weight of a polyolefin having a melting point in the range from 105 to 140° C., B2) from 0 to 25 percent by weight of a polyolefin having a melting point below 105° C., C1) from 0.1 to 25 percent by weight of a styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprene block copolymer, C2) from 0.0 to 10 percent by weight of a styrene-ethylene-butylene block copolymer, D) from 1 to 15 percent by weight of a blowing agent, E) from 0 to 5 percent by weight of a nucleating agent, where the sum of A) to E) is 100% by weight.

Abstract: Expandable, thermoplastic polymer bead material composed of a multiphase polymer mixture which comprises blowing agent and has at least one continuous phase of a thermoplastic polymer, where at least two different disperse phases P1 and P2 are present, disperse in the continuous phase, and also to processes for its production, and to use for the production of elastic molded foams.

Abstract: There is provided a thermoplastic elastomer composition having excellent flexibility, mechanical properties, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, and low-temperature characteristics. A crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising 5 to 70 parts by mass of (C) a hydrogenated product of a block copolymer having at least one conjugated diene monomer unit block and at least one vinyl aromatic monomer unit block, and 20 to 150 parts by mass of (D) an olefin-based resin, based on 100 parts by mass of the total of (A) an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer comprising an ethylene unit and an ?-olefin unit having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, and (B) a copolymer having at least one hydrogenated copolymer block mainly composed of a conjugated diene monomer unit and a vinyl aromatic monomer unit, wherein a mass ratio ((A)/(B)) of the (A) component and the (B) component is from 20/80 to 75/25.

Abstract: A block copolymer comprising at least one polymer block A comprising conjugated diene monomer units, and at least one polymer block B comprising conjugated diene monomer units and aromatic vinyl monomer units. This block copolymer is characterized in that (1) the polymer block A has a glass transition temperature of ?88° C. to ?45° C., (2) the polymer block B has a glass transition temperature of 30° C. to 90° C., (3) the content of aromatic vinyl monomer units in the whole block copolymer is 3-52 wt. %, (4) the aromatic vinyl block ratio in the whole block copolymer is smaller than 69 wt. %, and (5) the viscosity of a 5 wt. % solution of the block copolymer in styrene is 30-80 mPa·s. The block copolymer is useful as a resin modifier.

Abstract: A resin composition having as a main ingredient a block copolymer composed of at least one type of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diene, the resin composition being characterized in that the Vicat softening point temperature measured under a 10-N load as per ISO306 is 65-90° C., the flexural strength measured as per ISO178 is 58-80 MPa, the proportion of the conjugated diene in the resin composition is 10-25 mass %, and the resin composition has molecular weight peaks, the peaks being derived from the block copolymer composed of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and the conjugated diene, at molecular weights in the ranges of 70,000-150,000 and 150,000-350,000, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed are cold flow resistant and dimensionally stable compositions containing a diene rubber and a conjugated diene monovinylarene block copolymer, and generally, these compositions have solutions viscosities and cold flows that are less than that of the diene rubber. Methods for reducing cold flow and for storage-stabilizing bales of diene rubbers also are disclosed.

Abstract: A block copolymer or graft copolymer with weight-average molar mass Mw of at least 100 000 g/mol, comprising a) at least one block S composed of from 95 to 100% by weight of vinylaromatic monomers and from 0 to 5% by weight of dienes, and b) at least one copolymer block (S/B)A composed of from 63 to 80% by weight of vinylaromatic monomers and from 20 to 37% by weight of dienes, with glass transition temperature TgA in the range from 5 to 30° C., where the proportion by weight of the entirety of all of the blocks S is in the range from 50 to 70% by weight, based on the block copolymer or graft copolymer, and also mixtures thereof, and their use.

Abstract: A process for preparing a functionalized or unfunctionalized diene block copolymer comprising at least one polyether block of number-average molecular weight approximately from 150 to 5000 g/mol linked to at least one block constituted of a diene elastomer via at least one silicon atom. The process allows a high degree of grafting of the polyether to the polymer chains. Also disclosed is a reinforced rubber composition, especially intended for the manufacture of tires, comprising such a diene block copolymer which is intended to interact with the reinforcing filler. Such a rubber composition has improved hysteresis properties in the vulcanized state, while retaining satisfactory processing properties in the non-vulcanized state.

Abstract: A floor covering comprising an essentially sheet-shaped or plate-shaped matrix made of an elastomeric material. The matrix is provided with particles where the particles are made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: Method for encapsulating an electronic arrangement against permeates wherein a pressure-sensitive adhesive mass based on butylene block copolymers is applied to and around the areas of the electronic arrangement to be encapsulated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pencil comprising a core within a barrel, wherein the band composition consists of (a) at least one styrene-butadiene copolymer, (b) at least one styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, (c) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of styrene polymer, styrene-acrylonitrile polymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer, acrylic-styrene-methylmethacrylate copolymer, or a combination thereof; and optionally (d) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a filler, a wax, a porogen, a blowing agent, a foaming agent, a coloring agent, or a combination thereof. The present invention also relates to a method for the preparation of said pencil and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition which has excellent cleanability and is suitable for use as a medical rubber supply. It is characterized by comprising a rubber ingredient dynamically crosslinked with a crosslinking agent and a matrix which comprises a thermoplastic resin and in which the crosslinked rubber ingredient has been dispersed, the crosslinking agent comprising a triazine derivative.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoplastic elastomer composition obtained by dynamically crosslinking, under a melting condition, 100 parts by mass of a block copolymer (I), 1 to 1,000 parts by mass of a polar resin (II), 1 to 500 parts by mass of a modified polymer (III), and 0.01 to 50 parts by mass of a crosslinking agent (IV), wherein the block copolymer (I) comprises at least one polymer block (A) comprising as a main component an alkylene unit, and/or at least one copolymer block (B) comprising as main components an alkylene unit (b-1) and a vinyl aromatic monomer unit (b-2), and comprises at least one unsaturated block (C) comprising as a main component a conjugated diene monomer unit having 5 or more carbon atoms at an end.

Abstract: A high impact polystyrene (HIPS) is made from styrene monomer and 3 to 20 wt % of an elastomeric component phase including polybutadiene rubber and styrene butadiene copolymer. The HIPS has a 60 degree gloss of 90 or more, a Gardner drop of at least 10 in-lb, and an Izod impact strength of 1.8 ft-lb/in or more. The HIPS can have salami morphology with rubber particle size between 1 and 1.3 microns.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rubber composition capable of improving fracture properties and wear resistance of a tire, and more particularly to a rubber composition formed by compounding a non-compatible polymer blend, which comprises at least two rubber components and forms a polymer phase A and a polymer phase B, with a block copolymer comprising a block-a composed of the same monomer unit as a monomer unit forming the polymer phase A and a block-b composed of the same monomer unit as a monomer unit forming the polymer phase B, wherein at least one of the rubber components has at least one functional group.

Abstract: A mixture which comprises a) from 25 to 75% by weight of a block copolymer A which comprises at least one hard block S composed of vinylaromatic monomers and comprises one or more soft blocks BA in each case composed of from 0 to 5% by weight of vinylaromatic monomers and from 95 to 100% by weight of dienes, where the proportion by weight of the hard blocks S in the block copolymer A is from 65 to 90% by weight; b) from 5 to 25% by weight of a block copolymer B which comprises at least one hard block S composed of vinylaromatic monomers and comprises one or more copolymer blocks (B/S)B in each case composed of from 20 to 60% by weight of vinylaromatic monomers and from 80 to 40% by weight of dienes, where the proportion by weight of the hard blocks S in the block copolymer B is from 25 to 70% by weight; c) from 0 to 70% by weight of polystyrene or of a block copolymer C other than A and B, and d) from 0 to 6% by weight of a plasticizer D, where the entirety of components A) to D) gives 100% by weight, and

Abstract: A composition of matter that may be used to make transparent, substantially gel-free polymeric films includes at least a styrenic block copolymer and a thermoplastic resin other than the styrenic block copolymer. The styrenic block copolymer (e.g. S-I-B-S) has four distinct and sequential blocks: a first styrenic block (S), a first diene block (e.g. isoprene or I), a second diene block that differs from the first diene block (e.g. butadiene or B) and a second styrenic block (S). The styrenic block copolymer desirably lacks any random diene block (e.g. a random isoprene/butadiene block). The styrenic block copolymer also desirably lacks any significant percentage of a triblock copolymer (S-I-B). The composition of matter may also include an extender material such as white mineral oil. The compositions may be used to make mono-layer or multi-layer cast or blown films.

Abstract: Curable elastomer compositions and cured and/or curable articles made therefrom, the curable elastomer composition comprising an essentially unsaturated rubber elastomer, between 0.5 and 25 phr of a metal salt of a carboxylic acid, an effective amount of a peroxide curing agent for curing the elastomer composition and between 0.1 and 10. phr of a hysteresis-decreasing multifunctional curing coagent that decreases the hysteresis of the cured elastomer composition, wherein the hysteresis is measured using a rotorless shear rheometer as a loss tangent at 150° C., 41.85% strain and 10 Hz. The hysteresis of such a cured composition may decrease by at least 15% or alternatively, by at least 25%. The elastomer is useful in tires including, for example, the sidewall supports, the carcass reinforcement and the tread.

Abstract: The present invention has its object to provide a resin composition for tubes excellent in balance among wear resistance, flexibility, gas permeation resistance and low resilience (pliability). The object is accomplished by a resin composition for tubes which comprises an isobutylene block copolymer (A) constituted of a polymer block (a) derived from isobutylene as a main constituent and a polymer block (b) derived from a monomer component other than isobutylene as a main constituent, and a thermoplastic polyurethane resin (B).

Abstract: A process for forming a nanoparticle composition is provided. The process includes polymerizing conjugated diene monomer in a hydrocarbon solvent to form a first reaction mixture, and charging excess alkenylbenzense monomer and anionic catalyst to form mono-block and diblock polymers. Micelles of said mono-block and diblock polymers are formed, and at least one crosslinking agent is added to cross-link the micelles and form nanoparticles. The nanoparticles preferably have a poly(alkenylbenzene) core and an outer layer including monomer units selected from the group consisting of conjugated dienes, alkenylbenzenes, alkylenes, and mixtures thereof, and a size distribution of between about 1 and 1000 nm.

Abstract: Compositions including a thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanizate derived from a styrenic block copolymer having a reactive or crosslinkable hard block including aromatic vinyl repeat units and also preferably a crosslinkable soft block, and a non-olefin thermoplastic polymer or copolymer and preferably a compatibilizer such as the reaction product of a non-olefin thermoplastic polymer and a functionalized polymer such as a maleic anhydride functionalized styrenic block copolymer that is compatible with the styrenic block copolymer having a reactive or crosslinkable hard block, and optionally a linking compound. The vulcanizates are prepared by crosslinking the styrenic block copolymer in the presence of the non-olefin thermoplastic polymer and a suitable crosslinking agent, and optionally the compatibilizer, preferably utilizing dynamic vulcanization.

Abstract: Bicomponent fibers comprising a thermoplastic polymer and an elastomeric compound are made which can be continuously extruded from the melt at high production rates. The elastomeric compound has high flow and consists essentially of a selectively hydrogenated block copolymer and a tackifier resin, an alpha-olefin copolymer, an alpha-olefin terpolymer, a wax or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment the block copolymer has at least one polystyrene block of molecular weight from 5,000 to 7,000 and at least one polydiene block of molecular weight from 20,000 to 70,000 and having a vinyl content of greater than 60 mol %. In a second embodiment the block copolymer has a vinyl content of less than 60 mol %. The bicomponent fibers are useful for the manufacture of articles such as woven fabrics, spun bond non-woven fabrics or filters, staple fibers, yarns and bonded, carded webs.

Abstract: A core-first method is provided for making a core-shell nanoparticle that includes the following steps: adding to a solvent, a mono-vinyl monomer cross-linked with a cross-linking agent to form the core of the nanoparticle, the core having an average diameter of 5 nanometers to about 10,000 nanometers, and the core having polymer chains with living ends; adding a charge agent comprising a fixed formal charge group onto the living ends of the core to form the shell of the nanoparticle; controlling the charge of the nanoparticle based on the type of charge agent, the quantity of the charge agent, or both the type of charge agent and the quantity of the charge agent. A core-shell nanoparticle is also provided.

Abstract: To provide a block copolymer composition excellent in balance of transparency, impact resistance, etc. in the form of not only an excluded product and a blow molded product but also an injection molded product.

Abstract: A single-component high-temperature-curing reactive composition based on natural and/or synthetic elastomers having olefinic double bonds and on vulcanizing agents is provided. Such compositions contain at least one liquid polyene with a molecular weight between 400 and 80,000, preferably between 800 and 25,000; at least one block copolymer with at least one polyene block and at least one saturated block; and a vulcanizing system of sulfur and accelerators and/or quinone oximes, if applicable. Such high-temperature-curing reactive compositions are useful as single-component adhesives, sealant or coating compositions or sealing compounds in automobile body manufacture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rubber composition capable of improving fracture properties and wear resistance of a tire, and more particularly to a rubber composition formed by compounding a non-compatible polymer blend, which comprises at least two rubber components and forms a polymer phase A and a polymer phase B, with a block copolymer comprising a block-a composed of the same monomer unit as a monomer unit forming the polymer phase A and a block-b composed of the same monomer unit as a monomer unit forming the polymer phase B, wherein at least one of the rubber components has at least one functional group.

Abstract: A polymeric composition having a MFR of less than 2 g/10 min. which when formed into a film has an oxygen transmission rate of equal to or greater than 300 cc/100 in2/24 h at 73° F. and 0% relative humidity per ASTM D 3895 and a water vapor transmission rate of equal to or greater than 0.5 g/100 in2/24 hrs at 100° F. and 100% relative humidity per ASTM F 1249. A polymeric film having a 2% secant modulus in the machine direction of 300 MPa to 700 MPa; an oxygen transmission rate of greater than 300 cc/100 in2/24 h at 100° F., a water vapor transmission rate of greater than 0.5 g/100 in2/24 hrs at 100° F. and 100% relative humidity; an Elmendorf tear strength in the MD of from 50 g to 400 g; an Elmendorf tear strength in the transverse direction of from 150 g to 400 g, a dart drop strength of from 200 g to about 500 g, a haze of from 0% to 85% and, gloss at 45° of from 5% to 70%.

Abstract: Bicomponent fibers having a sheath-core morphology where the sheath is a thermoplastic polymer and the core is an elastomeric compound are made which can be continuously extruded from the melt at high production rates. The elastomeric compound comprises a coupled, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer having high flow. The block copolymer has at least one polystyrene block of molecular weight from 5,000 to 7,000 and at least one polydiene block of molecular weight from 20,000 to 70,000 and having a high vinyl content of 60 mol % or greater. The bicomponent fibers are useful for the manufacture of articles such as woven fabrics, spun bond non-woven fabrics or filters, staple fibers, yarns and bonded, carded webs. The bicomponent fibers can be made using a process comprising coextrusion of the thermoplastic polymer and elastomeric compound to produce fibers at greater than 800 mpm and having a denier from 0.1 to 50 g/9000 m.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising: 100 parts by weight of component (A), 10 to 100 parts by weight of component (B), 50 to 200 parts by weight of component (C), and 5 to 30 parts by weight of component (D). Component (A) is a propylene polymer having a melting point of 155° C. or more. Component (B) is a crystalline propylene-ethylene copolymer. Component (C) is an ethylene-?-olefin rubber having Mooney Viscosity of 30 to 100(ML1+4, 125° C.). Component (D) is a hydrogenated product of block copolymer comprising blocks of aromatic vinyl compound units and blocks of conjugated diene compound units.

Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet joined with the topsheet, an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and one or more article elements selected from the group consisting of an anal cuff, an elasticized topsheet, a fastening system, a leg cuff, a waist elastic feature, a side panel, an ear, and combinations thereof. The article elements may comprise a slow recovery stretch laminate exhibiting an unload force at 37° C. of about 0.16 N/(g/m) or greater and a percent of initial strain after 15 seconds of recovery at 22° C. of about 10% or greater.

Abstract: The present invention provides a block copolymer or a hydrogenated product thereof excellent in low-temperature shrinkability, natural shrinkability, rigidity and the like, excellent in a balance of physical properties such as blocking resistance, resistance to fusion bonding in hot water, impact resistance and the like, and having a few fish eyes (FE's) caused by gels. Further, the invention provides a heat shrinkable film and a heat shrinkable multilayer film suitable for drink container packaging, cap seals and the like, using such a block copolymer or the hydrogenated product thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric nanoparticles comprising triblock and optionally diblock copolymer chains. The architecture of the polymeric nanoparticles may be controlled, resulting in nanoparticles having non-spherical shapes. The present invention also provides a method of preparing the polymeric nanoparticles and a rubber article such as a tire manufactured from a formulation comprising the polymer nanoparticles.

Abstract: Compositions, processes, and methods are provided relating to styrenic polymers, including high impact polystyrene (HIPS), also referred to as rubber-modified polystyrene. In one aspect, a process is provided for making high impact polystyrenes, comprising the steps of combining a monovinylarene component, a monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer, and a conjugated diene polymer. In another aspect, the feed components form an emulsion having a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. The continuous phase comprises at least a portion of the monovinylarene component and at least a portion of the conjugated diene polymer. The dispersed phase is suspended within the continuous phase, and comprises globules having at least a portion of the monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer, a remaining portion of the monovinylarene component, and a remaining portion of the conjugated diene polymer.