Abstract: Mixed olefin polymerization catalysts, methods for preparing olefin polymers using the catalysts, and polymers obtained therefrom are disclosed. The mixed catalyst system comprises the combination of (a) a Group 8-10 transition metal complex of a bidentate or tridentate ligand comprising at least one nitrogen donor selected from Set 1, (b) either a Group 8-10 transition metal complex of a bidentate or tridentate ligand comprising at least one nitrogen donor selected from Set 1 or a bidentate ligand comprising a nitrogen-nitrogen donor selected from Set 2, or a Group 4 transition metal complex of a multidnentate ligand comprising at least 1 cyclopentadienyl or indenyl ring selected from Set 3 or a titanium or chromium Ziegler-Natta catalyst selected from Set 4, and optionally (c) a compound Y.

Abstract: Improved Group 8-10 transition metal based supported catalyst processes for the polymerization of olefins are described. Some of the improvements pertain to protocols for catalyst preparation and activation which improve the catalyst productivity in the presence of hydrogen as a molecular weight control agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of obtaining a cellulose material from corn fiber wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) heating a mixture of corn fiber and a liquid; (b) contacting the mixture of step (a) with a protease enzyme, thereby providing a proteolyzed corn fiber and a liquid; (c) separating the liquid from the proteolyzed corn fiber; (d) contacting the proteolyzed corn fiber at least once with an alkaline extractant, thereby providing an insoluble cellulose material and a first liquid comprising arabinoxylan; (e) separating the insoluble cellulose material from the first liquid comprising arabinoxylan at a temperature of at or above about 60° C.; and (f) rinsing the insoluble cellulose material to remove essentially all alkali, thereby providing a cellulose material having a cellulose content of at least about 50% and consisting essentially of cellulose I. Cellulose esters and ethers are also prepared from the derivatizable cellulose prepared according to the methods herein.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions useful for the polymerization of olefins are disclosed. These compositions comprise a Group 8-10 metal complex comprising a bidentate or variable denticity ligand comprising one or two nitrogen donor atom or atoms independently substituted by an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring(s), wherein the ortho positions of said ring(s) are substituted by aryl or heteroaryl groups. Also disclosed are processes for the polymerization of olefins using the catalyst compositions.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions useful for the polymerization or oligomerization of olefins are disclosed. Certain of the catalyst compositions comprise metal complexes of mono through tetradentate ligands comprising N-pyrrolyl substituted nitrogen donors bonded to the metal. Also disclosed are processes for the polymerization or oligomerization of olefins using the catalyst compositions.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions useful for the polymerization or oligomerization of olefins are disclosed. Certain of the catalyst compositions comprise metal complexes of mono through tetradentate ligands comprising N-pyrrolyl substituted nitrogen donors bonded to the metal. Also disclosed are processes for the polymerization or oligomerization of olefins using the catalyst compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to copolymers of norbornene and functional group containing norbornene comonomers and processes for the preparation thereof. These polymers may be random, alternating or block copolymers or terpolymers, etc. In general, the present invention describes a polymer composition of the formula: [A]S— and —[B]T wherein A is monomer repeat unit derived from one or more norbornene or substituted norbornene monomers and B is a monomer repeat unit derived from one or more functionalized norbornene compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to copolymers of norbornene and functional group containing norbornene comonomers and processes for the preparation thereof. These polymers may be random, alternating or block copolymers or terpolymers, etc.

Abstract: A device for establishing an optimal material flow rate through a material convey line in which a pressurized fluid flow is used to convey material entrained within the fluid passed through the convey line is disclosed. The device includes a plate defining an orifice therein, and a latching mechanism for detachably connecting the plate to an o discharge opening of the material convey line. A gasket is disposed on a first side of the plate and extends along the periphery thereof, and is adapted to be received on and sealed to the discharge end of the material convey line when connected thereto by the latching mechanism such that the fluid flow may pass through only the orifice within the plate.

Abstract: A process for making a crosslinked branched polyester gel from at least two pregel compositions comprising: a) reacting precursor repeat units formed from (1) at least one polyol having three or more hydroxyl groups or esters thereof, (2) at least one aliphatic or aromatic polyfunctional acid or ester thereof, or a mixture thereof; and (3) optionally at least one long chain aliphatic carboxylic acid or ester thereof, or aromatic monocarboxylic acid or ester thereof, or mixture thereof, to substantial completion in separate reactors to produce in a first reactor a first composition comprising a pre-gel having carboxyl end groups and to produce in a second reactor a second composition comprising a pre-gel having hydroxyl end groups, b) combining the first and second compositions to form a mixture; and c) processing the mixture in an extruder, a continuous processor, or a container to convert the mixture into a crosslinked branched polyester gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surfactantless latex compositions. More particularly, the present invention pertains to surfactantless latex compositions comprising sulfo-polyester polymers wherein the compositions have a continuous phase comprising water, diol, polyol or a mixture thereof. Still further, the present invention provides methods of making polymer blends comprising a condensation polymer and a latex polymer whereby the latex polymer is derived from a surfactantless latex composition comprising sulfo-polyester polymers. Polymer blends made by such methods are also provided.

Abstract: A process is provided for single screw extrusion of a composition or masterbatch comprising a polymer and an antistatic agent wherein the feed zone temperature is maintained below 385° F. in order to allow processability of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oxygen scavenging compositions comprising an oxidation catalyst and at least one polyether selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted poly(alkylene glycol)s having alkylene chains of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted poly(alkylene glycol)s having alkylene chains of at least 4 carbon atoms, copolymers of poly(alkylene glycol)s, blends containing poly(alkylene glycol)s and mixtures thereof. The invention further relates to polymers containing said oxygen scavenging compounds and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a high molecular weight pre-gel for a cross-linked branched polyester comprising: a) reacting polyester precursor repeat units via condensation polymerization in a continuous or semi-continuous, or batch reactor stage to form a low molecular weight pre-gel; and b) further reacting the low molecular weight pre-gel via condensation polymerization in a continuous thin-film reactive vacuum processing stage to form a high molecular weight pre-gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyester/polyamide blend compositions for forming an article having low haze and reduced gas permeability compared to the polyester alone. More specifically, the invention relates to blends of semi-crystalline polyesters such as PET with low molecular weight polyamides and to the containers and packages for food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and personal care products that can be fabricated from these blends.

Abstract: A gum base comprising at least one crosslinked branched aliphatic biodegradable polyester comprising repeat units formed from at least one polyol having three to four hydroxy groups, or ester thereof, at least one dibasic acid, or ester thereof, and at least one long chain monocarboxylic acid, or ester thereof. The process of producing a crosslinked branched aliphatic biodegradable polyester gum base by reactive extrusion is also included.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods for preparing modified condensation polymers wherein the steps include: preparing a polymer colloid system comprising a first polymer dispersed in a liquid continuous phase; introducing the polymer colloid system into a condensation reaction medium prior to or during the condensation reaction, wherein the condensation reaction medium comprises (1) a diacid, di-isocyanate, dialkyl carbonate, diaryl carbonate, dihalo carbonate or a mixture thereof, wherein the condensation reaction medium optionally comprises a diol component; and polymerizing the diol component and component (1), thereby forming a modified condensation polymer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods for preparing modified condensation polymers wherein the steps include: (a) preparing a polymer colloid system comprising a first polymer dispersed in a liquid continuous phase; (b) introducing the polymer colloid system into a glycolysis reaction medium prior to or during a glycolysis reaction wherein the glycolysis reaction medium comprises a polyester, copolyester, polyesteramide, polycarbonate or a mixture thereof; wherein the glycolysis reaction medium optionally comprises a diol component; and polymerizing the fully or partially glycolyzed polyester, copolyester, polyesteramide, polycarbonate or mixture thereof, thereby providing a condensation polymer/first polymer matrix.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making an amide-type polymer/first polymer blend comprising the steps of: a) preparing a polymer colloid system comprising a first polymer dispersed in a liquid continuous phase; b) introducing the polymer colloid system into an amide-type polymerization reaction medium prior to or during the reaction, wherein the reaction medium comprises 1) a diacid component and a diamine component, an oligomer of a diacid and a diamine component, or a mixture thereof; and c) polymerizing the components of b)1, thereby providing an amide-type polymer/first polymer blend. Polymer blends made by the methods herein are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel multilayer formed articles including, but not limited to containers such as bottles, tubes, pipes, preforms and films (including oriented films such as biaxially oriented) comprising a melt processible resin having dispersed therein a platelet filler. The multilayer formed articles have improved barrier while maintaining excellent clarity. More particularly, the multilayer structures of the present invention display haze values of less than about 2% and carrier resins which are substantially free from platelet particles having a diameter greater than about 15 microns.