Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include paper coating compositions, coated paper and/or paperboard, and methods of forming coated paper and/or paperboard with the paper coating compositions. The embodiments of the paper coating compositions contain high levels of hollow polymeric pigment relative to other pigments used in the paper coating composition (e.g., inorganic pigments). The paper coating compositions can provide the coated paper and/or paperboard with a wide variety of desirable features (e.g., high gloss, good smoothness, improved stiffness), while minimizing compaction (i.e., permanent deformation) of the underlying base paper.

Abstract: Agglomerated hollow particle latex is employed as a filler in the wet end of the paper-making process to provide paper with improved properties.

Abstract: A phase lockedcircuit comprising a phase detector for comparing an incoming serial data signal with a feedback clock signal and generating a digital phase detector output signal representing a phase difference between the incoming data signal and the feedback clock signal; a dual path filter for receiving the phase detector output signal, the dual path filter including a first path for generating a digital proportional output signal that is proportional to the phase detector output signal and a second path having an integral digital filter for generating a digital integral output signal that is proportional to an integral of the phase detector output signal; and a digitally controlled oscillator for receiving the proportional output signal and the integral output signal as tuning inputs and generating in dependence thereon an output clock signal from which the feedback clock signal is obtained. The circuit can be implemented in a receive path of a serializer/deserializer.

Abstract: An aqueous floor care composition comprising water, polymer particles wherein the polymer particles include units derived from a conjugated diene monomer, units derived from an acidic monomer, and units derived from a hard, non-acidic monomer, an external crosslinking agent, and optionally one or more of a leveling agent, surfactant, polyurethane, alkali-soluble resin, coalescing agent, plasticizer, and wax.

Abstract: The present invention provide a rail system for transporting spherical objects comprising: a first flexible rail; a second flexible rail; a flexible spine; and a connector attached to said first flexible rail, said second flexible rail, and said flexible spine. The connector allows for the track to be easily adjusted, while providing rigidity to hold the flexible rails and spline into position during use.

Abstract: A method for preparing a substrate having an adherent, durable, flexible, and stain resistant layer. The layer is formed by applying a composition that includes (i) the reaction product of a polyester and a polyoxetane having at least one carboxylic acid end group and at least one pendant —CH2—O—(CH2)n—Rf group and (ii) an amino resin curative. The substrate may be printed or embossed or both. The coated substrate has both stain resistant properties and dry erase properties.

Abstract: A latex composition having a polymodal particle size distribution. The latex composition is useful in paper coatings.

Abstract: A surfactant comprising a polyether segment including at least one pendant alkoxyfluoroalkyl group, and a cationic substituent defined by one of the formulae: or the substituted derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Anionically-polymerized living polymers are sequentially functionalized with certain agents X? and Y?. A method of preparing a functionalized polymer comprising the steps of reacting the polymer with a functionalizing agent X?, and then further reacting the polymer with a functionalizing agent Y?.

Abstract: A method of forming a functionalized polymer, the method comprising reacting a living polymer with a compound defined by the formula where R5 includes a monovalent organic group, R6 independently includes a monovalent organic group, each R7 independently includes hydrogen or a monovalent organic group, each R8 independently includes hydrogen or monovalent organic group, R9 includes a monovalent organic group, M is silicon or tin, and x includes an integer from about 2 to about 10, where R5 and R6 may optionally each independently be alkoxy groups, and where R7, R8, and R9 are non-Zerewitinoff organic groups.

Abstract: A novel method of preparing carboxyl-terminated polymers. A monomer is mixed with an organolithium initiator in a hydrocarbon solvent so as to anionically polymerize linear living polymer lithium chains. A trialkyl aluminum compound is also mixed so as to form polymer lithium: aluminate complexes in equilibrium with the linear living polymer lithium chains. When a cyclic anhydride terminator is mixed, the cyclic anhydride terminator preferentially reacts with the C—Li center on a living polymer lithium chain rather than with the C—Al—Li center on a polymer lithium: aluminate complex.

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 the continuous polymerization of monomer, the process comprising (a) adding monomer and catalyst to an annulus within an annular reactor to form a polymerization medium within the annulus, where the annulus includes the space between an outer casing wall and an inner tubular wall, (b) allowing the polymerization medium a sufficient residence time within the annulus to provide a living polymer product, and (c) removing the polymer product from the annulus.

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

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of polydienes, the method comprising the steps of (a) charging a mixture of one or more monomer, catalyst system, and less than 50% weight percent organic solvent based on the total weight of the monomer, catalyst and solvent, into first vessel, (b) polymerizing the monomer to a conversion of up to 20% by weight of the monomer to form a mixture of reactive polymer and monomer, (c) removing the mixture of reactive polymer and monomer from the vessel, and (d) terminating the reactive polymer prior to a total monomer conversion of 25% by weight.

Abstract: Vulcanizable elastomeric compositions and vulcanizates are prepared by employing a strong acid. The strong acid is believed to enhance the reaction between a silica particle and a silica-reactive compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to siloxy-functionalized polymers having the silicon of the siloxy group directly bonded to the end of a polymer chain through one or more carbon atoms, processes of producing the polymers, and initiators used to prepare the polymers. The polymers may be rubbery polymers, such as butadiene-styrene polymers, which are commonly used in tires.

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 stabilized high-vinyl polybutadiene composition comprising a high-vinyl polybutadiene, and an antioxidant defined by the formula where each R1 and R2, which may be the same or different, are mono-valent organic groups, or where each R1, which may be the same or different, is a mono-valent organic group and the two R2 groups join to form a divalent organic group.

Abstract: A gel composition that is the combination of or reaction product of ingredients comprising a thermoplastic elastomer copolymer, a functionalized polyolefin, an extender, and optionally a fatty acid.