Abstract: Systems and methods for producing 1,3-butadiene from a C4 hydrocarbon mixture are disclosed. The C4 hydrocarbon mixture comprising 1,3-butadiene, C4 acetylenes, and other C4 hydrocarbons is processed in an extractive distillation column to produce a crude 1,3-butadiene stream that comprises 1,3-butadiene, and C4 acetylenes including vinyl acetylene and ethyl acetylene. The crude 1,3-butadiene stream is subsequently distilled in the first distillation column, and the bottom stream of the first distillation column is further distilled in a second distillation column to produce an overhead stream comprising primarily 1,3-butadiene. A side stream comprising primarily C4 acetylenes is withdrawn from the second distillation column and processed in a selective hydrogenation unit to produce additional 1,3-butadiene.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing a volatile catalyst poison from a liquid hydrocarbon are provided. In one embodiment, a process vent (106) can be introduced to a vent recovery system (108) to provide a recycle gas (110). A first portion of the recycle gas (112) and a liquid hydrocarbon (102) can be introduced to a stripper column (104) to provide a stripper vent gas (114) and a degassed liquid hydrocarbon (116) that can be introduced to a polymerization process.

Abstract: Stage I Group 1 metal/porous metal oxide compositions or Stage II Group 1 metal/porous metal oxide compositions are shown to be useful to remove impurities and act as drying agents for various types of solvents and for olefinic monomers used in anionic polymerizations. One important advantage of these compositions is their ability to dry simultaneously solvent and monomers, without inducing a significant polymerization of the latter. Another important characteristic is the capacity of the compositions to be totally inactive toward conventional anionic polymerization which allows them to be left in situ during the polymerization itself.

Abstract: This invention is directed to processes of making polymer in the presence of a fluorinated hydrocarbon and recovering the polymer. The processes provided enable polymerization processes to be practiced with minimal fouling in the reaction system, and allows for the recovery of the fluorinated hydrocarbon and other hydrocarbons such as hydrocarbons for re-use in the process or hydrocarbon by-products from the polymerization process. The invention is particularly beneficial in the production of propylene polymers and copolymes using bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst systems.

Abstract: This invention is directed to processes of making polymer in the presence of a hydrofluorocarbon or perfluorocarbon and recovering the polymer. The processes provided enable polymerization processes to be practiced with minimal fouling in the reaction system, and to the recovery of the hydrofluorocarbon and other hydrocarbons such as hydrocarbons for reuse in the process or hydrocarbon by-products from the polymerization process. The invention is particularly beneficial in the production of ethylene based polymers using bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst systems.

Abstract: This invention is directed to processes of making polymer in the presence of a fluorinated hydrocarbon and recovering the polymer. The processes provided enable polymerization processes to be practiced with minimal fouling in the reaction system, and allows for the recovery of the fluorinated hydrocarbon and other hydrocarbons such as hydrocarbons for re-use in the process or hydrocarbon by-products from the polymerization process. The invention is particularly beneficial in the production of propylene-ethylene based copolymers using Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a polymerization process that is carried out at relatively high productivity levels and with relatively low fouling. The process includes mixing together a catalyst system, at least one monomer and a hydrofluorocarbon to produce the polymer. The reaction is carried out such that little to no chlorine containing hydrocarbons are present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of poly(?-methylstyrene) by anionic polymerization of the ?-methylstyrene monomer, said process successively comprising the following stages: a) a stage of preparation of a solution comprising the ?-methylstyrene monomer and a nonpolar aprotic solvent; b) a stage of neutralization of the solution prepared in a) comprising the addition, to this solution, of an effective amount of at least one monofunctional organometallic initiator, so as to neutralize the proton sources of the solution prepared in a); c) a stage of cooling the solution obtained in b) to a temperature of less than 0° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion type modifier for improving properties of the pressure-sensitive emulsion acrylic adhesives. The emulsion type modifier comprises: (a) 15 to 35 parts per hundred of monomers of a diester of a dicarboxylic acid; (b) 15 to 35 parts per hundred of monomers of vinyl esters; (c) 35 to 65 parts per hundred of monomers of alkyl acrylates; based on the total weight of (a)+(b)+(c), and (d) 0.1 to 2.0 parts per hundred of an acetoacetoxy functional monomer; (e) 0.1 to 2.0 parts per hundred of a nonionic surfactant; and (f) 0.4 to 3.0 parts per hundred of an anionic surfactant. By adding the emulsion type modifier of the present invention, the steel adhesion, polyethylene (PE) adhesion, the loop tack and the holding power of the pressure-sensitive emulsion acrylic adhesives can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for polymerizing monomer and comonomer(s) utilizing a bulky ligand transition metal metallocene-type catalyst or catalyst system, where the process is operated in the absence of or with a low amount of any of the isomers of the comonomer(s). The level of these isomers in the process of the invention are eliminated or maintained below a threshold level. It has been discovered that removal of certain isomers of the comonomer used in a polymerization process using metallocene-type catalysts results in an improved process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diene rubber composition having excellent processability and being improved in both the balance between low rolling resistance and wet skid resistance, and strength properties. The composition according to the invention is a diene polymer rubber composition comprising (A) 100 parts by weight of a raw material rubber comprising (A-1) a diene rubbery polymer which is a conjugated diene rubbery polymer or a conjugated diene-styrene rubbery copolymer (1) containing a modified component in an amount exceeding 60 wt. %, which modified component is obtained by reacting an active end of the rubbery polymer with a polyfunctional compound having, in its molecule thereof, at least two epoxy groups, (2) having a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of 1.05 to 3.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carbon-containing catalyst support that includes at least a carbonaceous material nd a thermosetting or sinterable polymer. The components are mixed and the polymer sintered or thermoset to provide a non-crushable, non-friable, and non-breakable composite. A catalytically active metal can be supported on the carbonaceous material prior to mixing, or on the composite after mixing and heating the mixture to sinter or thermoset the polymer.

Abstract: A process for starting a polymerization of butadiene to produce polybutadiene in a gas phase reactor having a seed bed which comprises (i) passivating the reactor and the seed bed by introducing an aluminum alkyl having a concentration ranging from about 2,000 to 20,000 ppm and (ii) feeding the catalyst and co-catalyst to the reactor before the addition of the butadiene.

Abstract: A process for producing a copolymer of isoolefin having between 4 and 7 carbon atoms and para-alkylstyrene is provided. The process comprises admixing the isoolefin and the para-alkylstyrene in a copolymerization reactor under copolymerization conditions in the presence of a diluent, and a Lewis Acid catalyst, and maintaining the copolymerization reactor substantially free of impurities which can complex with the catalyst or copolymerize with the isoolefin or the para-alkylstyrene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing isobutene-cyclodiene copolymers having a number-average molecular weight of at least 100,000 and an unsaturation of 1.about.30% by mol, characterized in that polymerization is carried out without gelation by reacting 75.about.99.5% by weight of an isobutene and 0.5.about.25% by weight of a cyclodiene or a mixture of cyclodiene as reaction materials, in a polar reaction solvent of 1.about.10 times by weight with respect to the reaction materials, wherein a catalyst solution of 0.02.about.2% by weight in the polar solvent is used in the amount of 0.2.about.2 times by weight with respect to the reaction materials, at a reaction temperature of -100.degree..about.-85.degree. C., thereby obtaining a copolymer, and then removing the residual catalyst activity at a temperature of -100.degree..about.-25.degree. C.

Abstract: Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin which has double bonds attached in an alternating fashion to its polymeric backbone. Films, fibers and molded articles can be made utilizing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. It can also be blended into rubbers and cocured therewith. It is generally preferred to synthesize syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene in an aqueous medium by suspension or emulsion polymerization. In such aqueous polymerization techniques reactor fouling and particle size control problems are frequently encountered. This invention is based upon the unexpected finding that reactor fouling can be greatly reduced or eliminated and that particle size can be regulated by conducting such aqueous polymerizations in the presence of a controlled amount of dissolved oxygen which is within the range of about 0.01 ppm to about 4 ppm.

Abstract: Cycloolefin/alpha-olefin copolymers in a molar ratio from 5/95 to 95/5, optionally including long linear alpha-olefin, branched alpha-olefins and/or polyenes as additional comonomers, are prepared using a cyclopentadienyl metallocene catalyst system based on a transition metal compound from Group 4 of the Periodic Table of Elements. The copolymers have a high molecular weight, a narrow molecular weight distribution and a substantially uniform, random comonomer distribution.

Abstract: This invention is a solution process for the preparation of high molecular weight ethylene-.alpha.-olefin-diolefin copolymers comprising contacting ethylene, one or more .alpha.-olefin monomer, and optionally one or more diene monomer, with a catalyst system at a polymerization temperature at or above about 80.degree. C., ethylene, one or more .alpha.-olefin monomer, and optionally one or more diene monomer, with a catalyst system comprising an unbridged Group 4 metal compound having a bulky monocyclopentadienyl ligand, a uninegative bulky Group 15 ligand and two uninegative, activation reactive ligands and a catalyst activator compound. The process can be advantageously practiced a reaction temperature of at least 80.degree. C., most preferably above 100.degree. C., to achieve high number average molecular weight polymer having high .alpha.-olefin monomer and diene monomer contents with high diene conversion rates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous emulsion comprising a dispersant of a modified polyvinyl alcohol with an ethylene unit content of 2 to 9 mol % and a degree of hydrolysis of at least 95 mol %, a dispersoid of a polymer of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and a ratio (.eta.2 rpm/.eta.20 rpm) of Brookfield viscosity at 30.degree. C., 2 rpm (.eta.2 rpm) as against Brookfield viscosity at 30.degree. C., 20 rpm (.eta.20 rpm) being 1 to 1.8 when the latter viscosity (.eta.20 rpm) is adjusted to 5,000 to 10,000 mPa.multidot.S.The aqueous emulsion according to the present invention is excellent in structural viscosity (flowability, high speed application performance), provides coated layers with high water resistance and low-temperature stability, and can be suitably used extensively as an adhesive for paper, wood and plastics, as a binder for impregnated paper and non-woven products, as an additive for mortar, as a paint, and in paper and fiber processings.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization process is provided wherein an olefin chargestock is contacted with an organic compound polymerization initiator, a Lewis acid coinitiator and a pyridine compound such as 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine to produce homopolymers, copolymers or block copolymers having a narrow molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: High molecular weight syndiotactic polystyrene having greater than 96% syndiotacticity can be produced in very high yield (greater than 92%) by polymerizing styrene monomer, under rigorously anhydrous conditions, with a catalyst comprising Cp*M(CH.sub.3).sub.3, where Cp* is a single .eta..sup.5 -cyclopentadienyl or an .eta..sup.5 -cyclopentadienyl group optionally covalently bonded to M through a substituent, and M is selected from Ti, Zr, Hf and a co-catalyst comprising B(C.sub.6 F.sub.5).sub.3 dissolved in an aromatic solvent such as toluene or styrene, at carefully controlled temperatures in the range -15.degree. C. to +50.degree. C. The rapid rate of polymerization and high yield make the production of hard, rigid products by reaction injection moulding possible.

Abstract: A copolymer having a substantially homogeneous composition distribution, said copolymer comprising the direct reaction product of an isoolefin and para-alkylstrene.

Abstract: A free-radical retrograde polymerization process for forming a polymer. An admixture of reactants including predetermined amounts of a monomer, a solvent, and a free-radical-initiator is reacted. A precipitation polymerization reaction occurs such that a polymer-rich phase is at a temperature generally above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the admixture.

Abstract: A copolymer of a C.sub.4 to C.sub.7 isoolefin and a para-alkylstyrene is provided as well as the corresponding halogenated, functionalized and grafted derivatives thereof. Processes for producing these copolymers are also provided.

Abstract: A process for blanking a reaction mixture utilizing as a blanking agent a difunctional lithium composition.

Abstract: A process for purifying a solvent suitable for use in the polymerization of an olefin in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, which comprises feeding the polymerization solvent to a stage lower than a chimney tray of a multi-stage distillation column, said chimney tray being provided at a height between the top and bottom of the column, feeding an organoaluminum compound to a stage higher than the chimney tray, drawing out a condensate from the chimney tray, heating the condensate to produce heated vapor, introducing the heated vapor to the chimney tray or to a stage higher than the chimney tray but lower than the stage to which the organoaluminum compound has been fed, and drawing the solvent in a purified state from the top.

Abstract: A method for smoothly and reliably initiating polymerization of ethylene with a supported chromium oxide catalyst, with smaller amounts of catalyst and in substantially shorter periods of time then heretofore required, by adding an alkylaluminum compound and a hydroxyl-containing compound to the reactor of a polymerization reaction system prior to the commencement of polymerization and subjecting said alkylaluminum compound and hydroxyl-containing compound to suitable conditions of temperature and pressure for a time sufficient for said alkylaluminum compound to react completely with the moisture present in said reactor and said hydroxyl-containing compound.

Abstract: A process for removing catalyst residues from poly-1-butene which is disclosed which comprises contacting an organic phase containing the poly-1-butene dissolved in an inert hydrocarbon solvent with an aqueous solution of an alpha-hydroxysulfonic acid and then separating the poly-1-butene-containing phase from the aqueous phase.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of polymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid by polymerizing acrylic acid or methacrylic acid in isopropanol or in a water-isopropanol mixture containing at least 40% by weight of isopropanol in the presence of polymerization initiators at a temperature of from 120.degree. to 200.degree. C. under pressure. The polymers obtained are used as dispersing agents for inorganic pigments.

Abstract: In conventional olefin polymerization using TiCl.sub.3 -containing Ziegler type catalysts, the catalyst-containing reaction product may be de-ashed by treatment with titanium-solubilizing compounds such as alcohols and the polymer product from the de-ashing step washed with a hydrocarbon to separate it from catalyst residue. It is desirable to treat the dirty hydrocarbon wash liquid to recover purified hydrocarbon suitable for recycle to the polymerization reaction. According to this invention the dirty hydrocarbon wash liquid is treated with an epoxy compound in the presence of an alcohol and distilled to recover purified hydrocarbon suitable for recycle.

Abstract: Stabilizing polypropylene to thermal oxidation and ageing by treating polymeric slurry thereof with aqueous solution of a surfactant. Surfactant is fatty acid ester of condensation product of ethylene oxide and sorbitan.