Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing superabsorbent polymer particles, comprising surface postcrosslinking, classifying the surface postcrosslinked superabsorbent polymer particles, deagglomerating the separated oversize fraction using a roll crusher and recycling the disintegrated oversize fraction before or into the classification of the surface postcrosslinked superabsorbent polymer particles.

Abstract: There is provided a composition containing one or more basic compounds selected from the group consisting of tertiary amines, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic aromatic compounds, alkali metal carbonate salts, alkaline earth metal carbonate salts and alkali metal hydrogencarbonate salts, and a homoallyl halide.

Abstract: Vulcanizates with desirable properties can be obtained from compounds incorporating polymers that include hydroxyl group-containing aryl functionalities. The functionalities can be incorporated by using any or all of appropriate initiators, monomers and optional terminating compounds. Such polymers exhibit excellent interactivity with both conventional and non-conventional fillers.

Abstract: A process for polymerization of a polymer containing monomeric units derived from a styrene monomer and a 1,3-butadiene monomer includes polymerizing the monomeric units in the presence of an initiator, a first polar agent, and a second polar agent. The first polar agent includes a structure (I): R1?R2?N-Q-NR3?R4?; and the second polar agent comprises a structure (II): R1?, R2?, R3?, and R4? are each independently selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group and hydrogen; Q contains an alkylene group; R1 and R2 are each independently an alkyl group; and R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are each independently selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group and hydrogen. Polymers prepared by the above process are described, as are compositions containing such a polymer, and articles containing at least one component formed from such a composition.

Abstract: A polymer has at least the following characteristics: (a) a block styrene content containing 4 to 6 styrene units from about 27 to about 50 weight percent based on total styrene content in the polymer; (b) a vinyl content from about 30 to about 80 weight percent based on total amount of polymerized 1,3-butadiene; and (c) a styrene content from about 40 to about 70 weight percent based on total weight of polymer. Processes for the polymerization of such a polymer, compositions containing such a polymer, and articles containing at least one component formed from such a composition are described.

Abstract: The present invention related to a conjugated diene based polymer comprising a monomer unit derived from a noncyclic conjugated diene and a monomer unit derived from an alicyclic hydrocarbon compound having a non-conjugated carbon-carbon double bond.

Abstract: A polymer having at least the following characteristics: (a) a block styrene content with more than 6 consecutive styrene units from about 15 to about 35 weight percent based on total styrene content in the polymer; (b) a vinyl content from about 25 to about 80 weight percent based on total amount of polymerized 1,3-diene; and (c) a styrene content from about 35 to about 75 weight percent based on total weight of polymer; and (d) a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 1.5 or less.

Abstract: A polymer having at least the following characteristics: (a) a block styrene content with more than 4 consecutive styrene units from about 40 to about 70 weight percent based on total styrene content in the polymer; (b) a vinyl content from about 25 to about 80 weight percent based on total amount of polymerized 1,3-diene; (c) a styrene content from about 20 to about 75 weight percent based on total weight of polymer; and (d) a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 1.5 or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to redox-curing type nonaqueous curable compositions having: at least one liquid radical polymeric monomer (a); an organic peroxide (b); and a powdered water-soluble reducing compound (c), where the powdered water-soluble reducing compound (c) is dispersed in the liquid radical polymeric monomer (a).

Abstract: Vulcanizates with desirable properties can be obtained from compounds incorporating polymers that include hydroxyl group-containing aryl functionalities. The functionalities can be incorporated by using any or all of appropriate initiators, monomers and optional terminating compounds. Such polymers exhibit excellent interactivity with both conventional and non-conventional fillers.

Abstract: Vulcanizates with desirable properties can be obtained from compounds incorporating polymers that include hydroxyl group-containing diphenylethylene-type functionalities. The functionalities can be incorporated by using any or all of appropriate initiators, monomers and optional terminating compounds. Such polymers exhibit excellent interactivity with both conventional and non-conventional fillers.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of diene polymers or vinylarene-diene statistical (random) copolymers which comprises the anionic (cp) polymerization, in hydrocarbon solvents, of at least one monomer of a conjugated diene, optionally in the presence of a vinyl aryl monomer, and using a compound belonging to the group of lithium alkyls as initiator, characterized in that the total lithium alkyl initiator is modified in situ by means of a reaction with a compound having general formula (I): Rm—(X—H)n (I) wherein R is a C2-C20 (cyclo) alkyl or C6-C20 aromatic radical, X is a heteroatom belonging to group VA or group VIA of the periodic system, n is an integer higher than or equal to 1, m is an integer>1 which depends on the valence of the heteroatom X.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for the production of a superabsorbent polymer comprising providing an acidic liquid aqueous monomer mixture containing dissolved oxygen; continuously feeding the aqueous monomer mixture to a reactor; introducing a source of carbonate or hydrogen carbonate into the aqueous monomer mixture prior to entry into the reactor thereby forming a gas phase comprising carbon dioxide and at least a part of the dissolved oxygen, the gas phase being dispersed in the liquid phase; subjecting the gas/liquid mixture to at least partial phase separation immediately prior to or after entry into the reactor and at least partially removing the separated gaseous phase; subjecting the liquid phase in the reactor to free-radical polymerization to obtain the superabsorbent polymer, and continuously removing the superabsorbent polymer from the reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of copolymer in a continuous mode of operation in a polymerization apparatus, comprising a polymerization reactor having feed lines and an outflow, free radical polymerization initiator, an acid monomer and polyether macromonomer being passed as monomeric starting materials into the polymerization reactor through the feed lines, initiator, monomeric starting materials and copolymer-containing reaction composition thermostated at ?20 to +120° C.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide for non-self imageable norbornene-type polymers useful for immersion lithographic processes, methods of making such polymers, compositions employing such polymers and immersion lithographic processes that make use of such compositions. More specifically the embodiments of the present invention are related to norbornene-type polymers useful for forming top-coat layers for overlying photoresist layers in immersion lithographic process and the process thereof.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of diene polymers or vinylarene-diene statistical (random) copolymers which comprises the anionic (cp) polymerization, in hydrocarbon solvents, of at least one monomer of a conjugated diene, optionally in the presence of a vinyl aryl monomer, and using a compound belonging to the group of lithium alkyls as initiator, characterized in that the total lithium alkyl initiator is modified in situ by means of a reaction with a compound having general formula (I): Rm—(X—H)n (I) wherein R is a C2-C20 (cyclo) alkyl or C6-C20 aromatic radical, X is a heteroatom belonging to group VA or group VIA of the periodic system, n is an integer higher than or equal to 1, m is an integer>1 which depends on the valence of the heteroatom X.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a fluoropolymer by means of emulsion polymerization of a reaction mixture in an aqueous medium is disclosed wherein the reaction mixture includes a fluoromonomer having the structure of wherein R1, R2, and R3 are each independently hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, substituted alkyl groups, or halogens, wherein at least one of R1, R2, and R3 is a fluorine atom, and wherein R is each independently a substituent on the styrenic ring, n is an integer from 0 to 5 representing the number of the substituents on the styrenic ring; b) an emulsion stabilizer combination comprising: i) an anionic surfactant; and, ii) a cationic surfactant or a non-ionic surfactant; and, c) a free-radical initiator.

Abstract: Provided is a polychloroprene latex extremely favorable in adhesive properties. The present invention relates to a method of producing a polychloroprene latex, comprising polymerizing chloroprene or a mixture of chloroprene and a monomer copolymerizable with chloroprene in an aqueous medium containing a surfactant at a concentration of lower than its critical micelle concentration (CMC) and a polymer dispersant of a metal salt of aromatic sulfonic acid formalin condensate added thereto. The polymer dispersant for use is preferably a metal salt of aromatic sulfonic acid formalin condensate. The polychloroprene latex obtained can be used as an adhesive.

Abstract: It is to provide a method for producing a polymer by a living anionic polymerization, wherein the number of functional groups and the introduction position are accurately specified in the polymer. For this purpose, a cinnamyl alcohol represented by the following formula [I] or a derivative thereof is subjected to a reaction when conducting a living anionic polymerization. In formula [I], R1 represents an alkyl group or alkoxy group; m represents an integer of 0 to 5 and when m is 2 or more, R1s may be the same or different; R5 represents a hydrogen atom, alkali metal atom, trialkylsilyl group or a substituent represented by the following formula [II]. In formula [II], R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group; and R4 represents an alkyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group, a cycloalkyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group, a phenyl group which may be substituted by an alkyl group, or a phenyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group).

Abstract: A sulfur-containing anionic polymerization initiator defined by the formula: R1S—R2aR3?Li? where R1 is a monovalent organic group, R2 is a divalent organic group, R3 is a divalent organic group or a bond, and a is an integer from 1 to about 5.

Abstract: A method for copolymerizing alkenyl aromatic monomer and conjugated diene in the gas phase. Other embodiments include methods for forming anionic gas-phase polymerization using a solid-supported anionic polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for the production of a superabsorbent polymer comprising providing an acidic liquid aqueous monomer mixture containing dissolved oxygen; continuously feeding the aqueous monomer mixture to a reactor; introducing a source of carbonate or hydrogen carbonate into the aqueous monomer mixture prior to entry into the reactor thereby forming a gas phase comprising carbon dioxide and at least a part of the dissolved oxygen, the gas phase being dispersed in the liquid phase; subjecting the gas/liquid mixture to at least partial phase separation immediately prior to or after entry into the reactor and at least partially removing the separated gaseous phase; subjecting the liquid phase in the reactor to free-radical polymerization to obtain the superabsorbent polymer, and continuously removing the superabsorbent polymer from the reactor.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, comprising polymerization of a monomer solution or suspension, drying the resulting polymer gel, and grinding and classifying the dried polymer gel, wherein the grinding is performed by means of a multistage roll mill, the first milling gap has a width of 500 to 5000 ?m, the product mass flow passing through the first milling gap is conducted through a magnetic separator to the second milling gap, and the second milling gap has a smaller gap width than the first milling gap.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical film including a copolymer that includes (a) an alkene monomer, (b) an acrylate monomer, and (c) at least one of an unsaturated organic acid monomer and an unsaturated acid anhydride monomer having one or more double bonds, a protective film for a polarizer film, and a polarizer plate and an image display device using the same.

Abstract: This invention relates to monodisperse cross-linked polymer particles, comprising particles with a substantially smooth outer surface and an average diameter of less than 1 ?m, wherein the particles are solid or porous, and wherein the coefficient of variation (CV) % of the particles, when measured by CPS disk centrifugation analysis, is less than 15%. These monodisperse cross-linked polymer particles may comprise magnetic material and are useful in various application. This invention also relates to monodisperse polymer particles for use as seed particles in the Ugelstad process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of hydrotalcites as catalysts for the polymerization of unsubstituted or substituted trimethylene carbonate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of copolymer in a continuous mode of operation in a polymerization apparatus, comprising a polymerization reactor having feed lines and an outflow, free radical polymerization initiator, an acid monomer and polyether macromonomer being passed as monomeric starting materials into the polymerization reactor through the feed lines, initiator, monomeric starting materials and copolymer-containing reaction composition thermostated at ?20 to +120° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a redox-curing type composition that penetrates into a wet body, particularly into a tooth structure (dentin), is cured in an accelerated manner by the moisture contained in the wet body, thereby exhibits a higher bond strength than those of conventional redox-curing type compositions, and has satisfactory storage stability. The present invention is a redox-curing type composition including a polymerizable monomer (a) having an acidic group, a polymerizable monomer (b) having no acidic group, a powdery inorganic peroxide (c) with an average particle diameter of 0.01 to 50 ?m, an amine-based reducing agent (d), and a polymerization accelerator (e). The amine-based reducing agent (d) includes an aromatic amine (d?1) and an aliphatic amine (d?2), and a weight ratio (d?1):(d?2) therebetween is 5:1 to 1:50.

Abstract: A method for forming a polymer including a sulfur-containing functional group, the method comprising introducing a sulfur-containing initiator defined by the formula with conjugated diene monomer and optionally copolymerizable monomer within a polymerization medium and allowing the sulfur-containing initiator to initiate the polymerization of the conjugated diene monomer and the optional copolymerizable monomer, where R1 is a monovalent organic group, R2 is a divalent organic group, R3 is a divalent organic group or a bond, and a is an integer from 1 to about 5.

Abstract: It is to provide a method for producing a polymer by a living anionic polymerization, wherein the number of functional groups and the introduction position are accurately specified in the polymer. For this purpose, a cinnamyl alcohol represented by the following formula [I] or a derivative thereof is subjected to a reaction when conducting a living anionic polymerization. In formula [I], R1 represents an alkyl group or alkoxy group; m represents an integer of 0 to 5 and when m is 2 or more, R1s may be the same or different; R5 represents a hydrogen atom, alkali metal atom, trialkylsilyl group or a substituent represented by the following formula [II]. In formula [II], R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group; and R4 represents an alkyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group, a cycloalkyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group, a phenyl group which may be substituted by an alkyl group, or a phenyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of copolymer in a continuous mode of operation in a polymerization apparatus, comprising a polymerization reactor having feed lines and an outflow, free radical polymerization initiator, an acid monomer and polyether macromonomer being passed as monomeric starting materials into the polymerization reactor through the feed lines, initiator, monomeric starting materials and copolymer-containing reaction composition thermostated at ?20 to +120° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of oil displacement agent and the process for preparing the same. The oil displacement agent is formed of a polyaclylamide-based polymer characterized by a partly crosslinked and partly branched structure, wherein said polyacrylamide-based polymer is obtained by aqueous copolymerization of acrylamide and N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate as a functional monomer, in the presence of a redox initiator system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical film including a copolymer that includes (a) an alkene monomer, (b) an acrylate monomer, and (c) at least one of an unsaturated organic acid monomer and an unsaturated acid anhydride monomer having one or more double bonds, a protective film for a polarizer film, and a polarizer plate and an image display device using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel dicarbanionic initiator of formula (I). The present process further provides a process for the preparation of dicarbanionic initiator of formula (I) comprising reacting 1-bromo-4-(4?-bromophenoxy)-2-pentadecyl benzene of formula (II) with alkyllithium compound for an effecting halogen-lithium exchange reaction of 1-bromo-4-(4?-bromophenoxy)-2-pentadecyl benzene with sec-butyllithium in the presence of a non polar solvent, at a temperature in the range of 0 to 25° C. and its use as an initiator for the synthesis of telechelic polydienes and polystyrenes and SBS or SIS triblock copolymers.

Abstract: A process comprising polymerizing at least one fluorinated monomer in an aqueous medium containing initiator and polymerization agent to form an aqueous dispersion of particles of fluoropolymer, the polymerization agent comprising: fluoropolyether acid or salt thereof having a number average molecular weight of at least about 800 g/mol; and fluorosurfactant having the formula: [R1—On-L-A?] Y+ wherein: R1 is a linear or branched partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group which may contain ether linkages; n is 0 or 1; L is a linear or branched alkylene group which may be nonfluorinated, partially fluorinated or fully fluorinated and which may contain ether linkages; A? is an anionic group selected from the group consisting of carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfonamide anion, and phosphonate; and Y+ is hydrogen, ammonium or alkali metal cation; with the proviso that the chain length of R1—On-L- is not greater than 6 atoms.

Abstract: Homogeneously dispersed solid reaction promoters having an average particle size from 0.01 ?m to 500 ?m are disclosed for preparing curable mixtures of at least one Michael donor and at least one Michael acceptor. The resulting curable mixtures are useful as coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers.

Abstract: This invention provides a water-soluble macromonomer having terminal unsaturation obtained by polymerization of monomers in the presence of inclusion complex of chain transfer agent in aqueous system. Hydrophobic chain transfer agent AMSD forms an inclusion complex with methylated cyclodextrin. The complexation enhances its solubility in water and enables the polymerization of water-soluble monomers in aqueous medium. After polymerization cyclodextrin is removed and the macromer with terminal unsaturation obtained can be used further for copolymerization with any vinyl monomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear or branched diene elastomer having cyclic vinyl units. A linear diene elastomer according to the invention results from at least one conjugated diene and it comprises cyclic vinyl units in a mass content of greater than or equal to 15% while having a number-average molecular weight falling within a range of from 10,000 to 300,000 g/mol.

Abstract: An initiator is presented for anionically polymerizing monomers, to provide a functional head group on the polymer. A polymer having a functional head group derived from a sulfur containing anionic initiator, and optionally as additional functional group resulting from the use of a functional terminating reagent, coupling agent or linking agent is also provided. A method is presented for anionically polymerizing monomers comprising the step of polymerizing the monomers with a sulfur containing anionic initiator to provide a functional head group on the polymer. An elastomeric compound, comprising a functional polymer and filler is also described. Also provided is a tire having decreased rolling resistance resulting from a tire component containing a vulcanizable elastomeric compound.

Abstract: A process for preparing a functionalized polymerization initiator, the process comprising combining a functionalized styryl compound and an organolithium compound.

Abstract: A composition for use as a polymer electrolyte, wherein said composition includes one or more polar materials and one or more polyesters of formula III, wherein each unit A may be identical or different and is of the structure IV, wherein each unit B may be identical or different and is of the structure V, wherein R and R1 are each, independently, hydrogen, optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or an inert functional group; a process for preparing said composition; the use of said composition as a polymer electrolyte in coulometers, displays, smart windows, cells or batteries; and a cell and/or battery having said composition.

Abstract: A nonaqueous curable composition including a liquid radical polymeric monomer (a), an organic peroxide (b) and a powdered water-soluble reducing compound (c) with the powdered water-soluble reducing compound (c) dispersed in the liquid radical polymeric monomer (a) is provided. According to the nonaqueous curable composition of this invention, time necessary for adhesion can be secured, and high adhesive strength against a wetting material, and more particularly, a biological hard tissue such as a dentine can be attained, and thus, the present invention is extremely industrially valuable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a catalyst system for synthesizing rubbery polymers, such as polybutadiene rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber, having a high trans microstructure. The catalyst system, in one embodiment, includes (a) a barium salt of an alcohol that is soluble in a hydrocarbon solvent, and (b) an organomagnesium compound. In one example, the alcohol is a primary or secondary alcohol. The catalyst system can further optionally include an alkali metal alkoxide, an organolithium compound, an amine compound, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The process and catalyst of this invention can be utilized to synthesize homo and copolymers of conjugated diene monomers and vinyl aromatic monomers having high trans contents of greater than 60% with low melting points. These homo and copolymers of conjugated diene monomers and vinyl aromatic monomers can be utilized in tire tread and sidewall rubbers that exhibit outstanding wear and tear characteristics in the tread and excellent flexing properties in the sidewall. The rubber polymers of this invention are made utilizing an improved catalyst system. This catalyst system is comprised of (a) organo aluminum compounds, (b) organo lithium compounds, (c) a barium compound selected from barium salts of (i) di(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether, (ii) di(ethylene glycol) propyl ether, (iii) di(ethylene glycol) hexyl ether, (iv) di(N,N-dimethyl amino glycol) ethyl ether, (v) menthol and thymol in the presence of polar modifier consisting of water, alcohols, amines, thiols, phosphates and phosphites.

Abstract: An initiator is presented for anionically polymerizing monomers, to provide a functional head group on the polymer. A polymer having a functional head group derived from a sulfur containing anionic initiator, and optionally as additional functional group resulting from the use of a functional terminating reagent, coupling agent or linking agent is also provided. A method is presented for anionically polymerizing monomers comprising the step of polymerizing the monomers with a sulfur containing anionic initiator to provide a functional head group on the polymer. An elastomeric compound, comprising a functional polymer and filler is also described. Also provided is a tire having decreased rolling resistance resulting from a tire component containing a vulcanizable elastomeric compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing polymerisates by anionic polymerization in an inert reaction medium using conjugated dienes and vinylaromatic compounds in the presence of a catalyst, co-catalyst, and randomizer. Further, the invention relates to the polymerisates produced thereby and their uses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing polymers and copolymer blocks of conjugated dienes with varying amounts of branching comprising the use of a microstructure control agent and a microstructure control agent deactivant. The polymerization can be started with or without a microstructure control agent. At some point in the polymerization prior to the completion of the addition of the conjugated diene to the polymer, the microstructure control agent can be deactivated, either partially or completely, resulting in a polymer or copolymer block having a region of less branching adjacent to a region of more branching. Preferred microstructure control agent deactivants are metal alkyls such as triethyl aluminum.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for making a methacrylate unit-containing polymer with polydispersity <1.7 and containing at least one cross-linkable functional group comprising a step of radically polymerizing a mixture of ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising at least 50 mole % of methacrylate monomers to a polymer, in the presence of a) a radical precursor and b) I2 or a sulfonyl iodide.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an acrylic acid ester polymer, includes carrying out polymerization of an acrylic acid ester or block copolymerization of an acrylic acid ester and another (meth)acrylic monomer in the presence of an organolithium compound and an organoaluminum compound represented by the following formula (I): AlR1R2R3??(I) wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having at least 3 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having at least 3 carbon atoms or an aryloxy group, R2 and R3 each independently represent an aryloxy group or may be coupled together to form an arylenedioxy group. The process makes it possible to heighten the reaction rate and living properties upon polymerization and heighten the block formation efficiency upon block copolymerization.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a modified polymer rubber, which comprises the steps of: (1) reacting one part by mol of an organoalkali metal compound with n±0.7 (n is an integer of 3 or more) parts by mol of a specific diphenyl compound to produce a reaction mixture, (2) polymerizing in the presence of the produced reaction mixture an aromatic vinyl monomer and a conjugated diene monomer in a hydrocarbon solvent, and after completion of the polymerizing, stirring for at least 30 minutes, to produce a polymerization reaction mixture, and (3) repeating such an operation n−2 times that (i) an aromatic vinyl monomer and a conjugated diene monomer are added to the produced polymerization reaction mixture, and polymerized, and (ii) after completion of the polymerizing, stirring is carried out for at least 30 minutes, and thereby producing a modified polymer rubber, whose both ends and n−2 positions in its chain are modified by the compound represented by the formula (1).