Abstract: A functional polymer having at least one substituent capable of forming a stable free radical is formed by polymerizing a diene monomer, such as butadiene, to form a first polymer block of the functional polymer. The first polymer block has a weight average molecular weight of less than 150,000. A vinyl aromatic monomer, such as styrene, is polymerized to form at least a second polymer block of the functional polymer. The copolymer is contacted with a stable free radical providing compound to form the functional polymer. By adding sufficient vinyl aromatic monomer, a low molecular weight functional rubber polymer can be rendered processable at ambient temperatures, while maintaining a solution viscosity which is suited to subsequent free radical catalyzation of vinyl aromatic monomers.

Abstract: A humidification system (A) for humidifying a dry hydrocarbon stream includes a column (10) which defines an interior cavity (20). The cavity is partially filled with a bed (12) of a packing material (40) and a layer of water (20), leaving a headspace above the water. An inlet (52) adjacent a lower end of the cavity receives a dry hydrocarbon stream which is broken up by the packing material and dissolves water as it passes therethrough. Entrained water droplets fall out of the wet blend in a disengagement zone (70) above the water layer leaving the hydrocarbon stream humidified yet substantially free of liquid water in an upper region (72) of the column.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process for forming a diene-rubber grafted centipede polymer. The process includes copolymerizing a copolymer comprising a maleimide and at least one block chosen from the group consisting of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons, R1R2ethylenes, or alkyl vinyl ethers with an amine. The amine is further functionalized with at least one functional group capable of grafting to a diene rubber. The copolymer is cocured with a diene rubber to form the diene-rubber grafted centipede polymer.

Abstract: It has been discovered that block copolymers comprising at least two polymer blocks containing a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer contributed units and at least one polymer block conjugated diene monomer contributed units exhibit desirable adhesive properties. The vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon content [S] of the instant block copolymers is 25% to 60% by weight and the vinyl content of the conjugated diene portion [V] is 30% to 70%. The relationship between the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon content [S] and the vinyl content of the conjugated diene portion [V] satisfies the formula: 75≦[S]+[V]≦100. According to the instant invention, adhesive compositions may be prepared which contain about 10% to about 50% of the block copolymers, about 20% to about 80% of a compatible tackifying resin; about 10% to about 40% of a platicizing oil; about 0.2% to about 2.5% of various stabilizers and 0% to about 10% of a compatible wax.

Abstract: There are disclosed a gel or polymer composition which comprises 100 parts by weight of a polymer blend component comprising 1 to 90% by weight of a poly(vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon) polymer having a syndiotactic configuration and 99 to 10% by weight of a rubbery elastomer and at least 30 parts by weight of an extender oil or a low molecular weight organic component. These gel compositions have super soft properties, heat resistance, and/or damping properties.