Abstract: Conjugated dienes, in particular 1,3-conjugated dienes, can be polymerized or copolymerized using the catalyst system of this invention to polymers wherein the amount of 1,2-structure contained in the polymer is increased, and polymers can be prepared containing varying amounts of 1,2-structure as desired. Such desirable results can be obtained in accordance with the process of the present invention for polymerizing conjugated diene monomers which comprises the use of a catalyst system which comprises (a) at least one anionic initiator based on lithium, and (b) a modifier composition comprising at least one cyclic acetal of a glyoxal. ##STR1## wherein R and R' are each independently hydrogen, alkyl or aryl groups, and each A is independently an alkylene or an oxyalkylene group.In another embodiment, the catalyst system also contains at least one co-initiator selected from the group consisting of organomagnesium compounds, organoaluminum compounds, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A sulfur-curable rubber skim stock which upon curing exhibits improved adhesion to brass-plated steel under high humidity, heat aging conditions is provided. The sulfur-curable rubber skim stock comprises natural rubber or a blend of natural rubber and synthetic rubber, carbon black, an organo-cobalt compound, sulfur and a small amount of dithiodipropionic acid. The skim stock can be utilized in various applications where brass-plated steel reinforcement is desirable including tires, conveyor belts, hoses and the like.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions having resistance to impact comprising (a) from about 50 to about 90 percent by weight of a polyamide having a number average molecular weight of at least 10,000 and (b) from about 10 to about 50 percent by weight of a maleic anhydride adduct of a hydrogenated polymer of one or more conjugated dienes or a hydrogenated copolymer of a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon, said hydrogenated polymer or copolymer having a residual unsaturation content of from about 0.5 to about 20% of its original unsaturation content prior to hydrogenation; wherein at least 5 percent by weight of components (a) and (b) are present in the form of a graft copolymer containing at least 20 percent of polyamide. The compositions exhibit especially advantageous properties, particularly high impact strength and are useful in a variety of molding applications such as molded bushings, gears, cams, valves and a variety of other products.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate molding compositions are provided which comprise a polyethylene terephthalate having an inherent viscosity of at least 0.4, a plasticizer, a lubricating polymer, a nucleating agent, a reinforcing agent or mixture of reinforcing agent and filler, and a molecular weight reducing agent for the polyethylene terephthalate. The molding compositions can be injection molded utilizing mold temperatures below 100.degree. C. (e.g, 60.degree.-90.degree. C.). The molded compositions exhibit an excellent balance of properties such as tensile strength, flex modulus, heat distortion temperature and impact strength.

Abstract: A method for preparing high cis-1,4 polybutadiene by a continuous process which involves the continuous polymerization of 1,3-butadiene in solution under adiabatic conditions is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (I) feeding continuously to a single agitated polymerization reactor: (a) a monomer stream comprising 1,3-butadiene in a hydrocarbon solvent; (b) a preformed .pi. allyl catalyst stream formed by admixing a carboxylated metal oxy borate compound represented by the formulae (RCOOMO).sub.3 B or (ROCOOMO).sub.2 B-OR' wherein R and R' are alkyl radicals containing from 7 to 17 carbon atoms and M is nickel or cobalt, an organo aluminum compound, an alcohol, a small amount of 1,3-butadiene and a hydrocarbon solvent; and (c) a cocatalyst stream comprising a boron trifluoride complex with an alcohol; and (II) withdrawing continuously from said reactor high cis-1,4 polybutadiene at the same rate as said monomer, preformed catalyst and cocatalyst streams are fed to the reactor.

Abstract: Vulcanizable polymeric compositions comprising certain rubbery polymers or polymer blends, a zinc dimethacrylate adjuvant having a surface area of from about 3.7 to about 5.4 m.sup.2 /g or more and a peroxide curing agent are provided. Polymeric compositions which contain 25 parts by weight or more of the zinc dimethacrylate adjuvant per 100 parts by weight of rubbery polymer in the absence of reinforcing fillers exhibit excellent strength and hysteresis characteristics when cured. The surface area of the zinc dimethacrylate adjuvant along with its method of preparation are extremely important factors in the excellent properties obtained when polymeric compositions containing the adjuvant are cured.

Abstract: A multipurpose material working tool includes a frame on which is mounted a headstock having a spindle extending axially therefrom which is adapted to receive various rotary tools and a radial trolley adapted to move on ways toward and away from the headstock. The radial trolley is equipped with a tail stock to be used in conjunction with a face plate or headstock spur center attached to the spindle and can also be equipped with various radial tools for performing work on materials located either on the bed of the trolley or in movable radial support stands attached to the frame. The multipurpose material working tool can also include a band saw secured to the frame at a position adjacent to the work headstock and which is adapted to be driven by the same motor as that which drives the work headstock.

Abstract: Sulfur-curable, carbon black reinforced material rubber compounds having improved processing properties in the uncured state and improved strength and dynamic properties in the cured state are obtained by the addition of from about 0.2 to about 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of natural rubber of a zinc dimethacrylate having a surface area of from about 3.7 to about 5.4 m.sup.2 /g or more to the compounds. The addition of the zinc dimethacrylate to the compounds permits the use of lower quantities of carbon black than would ordinarily be employed in the absence of the zinc dimethacrylate while still providing for the improved properties.

Abstract: An adhesive composition for bonding cured layers of EPDM together is provided which comprises a neutralized sulfonated EPDM elastomeric terpolymer, an organic hydrocarbon solvent or mixture of an organic hydrocarbon solvent and an aliphatic alcohol, a para-alkylated phenol formaldehyde tackifying resin and an alkylphenol or ethoxylated alkylphenol. A method for bonding the cured layers of EPDM together utilizing the adhesive composition is also provided.

Abstract: An improved method for removing sodium salts from mixtures of such salts and polyaryloxyphosphazene or polyalkoxyphosphazene or polyalkoxyaryloxyphosphazene polymer solutions is provided. The method involves first treating the mixture with an acid to neutralize any excess alkoxide or aryloxide. Then, water is added to the mixture to extract the sodium salts therefrom resulting in an at least partial separation of the mixture into a polyphosphazene polymer solution phase and a brine phase comprising water and the sodium salts. Following addition of the water to the mixture, a sulfated fatty acid ester of a natural non-petroleum based oil is added to the mixture to effect a more complete separation of the mixture into the polyphosphazene polymer solution phase and the brine phase. The polyphosphazene polymer solution phase is then separated from the brine phase.

Abstract: A process and catalyst system is disclosed herein for the preparation of (co)polymers having a 1,2-microstructure of between about 20 and about 65 percent. These (co)polymers are prepared in a hydrocarbon or non-polar solvent from a monomer system which contains at least one 1,3-diene monomer. The catalyst system which is employed in the production of the (co)polymer is a combination of an anionic initiator based on lithium and a phosphine oxide modifier which is substituted with three saturated heterocyclic rings, each hetero ring containing one nitrogen atom and either four, five or six carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process and catalyst system is disclosed herein for the preparation of (co)polymers having a 1,2-microstructure ranging between about 20 and about 65 percent. These (co)polymers are prepared in a hydrocarbon or non-polar solvent from a monomer system which contains at least one 1,3-diene monomer and optionally other copolymerizable monomers. The catalyst system which is employed in the production of the (co)polymer is a combination of (1) an anionic initiator based on lithium; (2) a dialkyl magnesium compound or a trialkyl aluminum compound or a mixture thereof; and (3) a phosphine oxide modifier which is substituted with three saturated heterocyclic rings, each hetero ring containing one nitrogen atom and either four, five or six carbon atoms.

Abstract: In repairing articles of natural rubber or elastomer predominantly of natural rubber with cured polymer or prepolymer (polyurethane/polyurea), adhering advantages are obtained especially at elevated temperatures when the damaged area is treated with halogen-containing oxidant dissolved in 1,2-dichloroethane instead of other solvents.

Abstract: Addition of particular low molecular weight polyisobutylene to natural rubber compounds reduces hysteresis, increases blow-out time and lowers compression set.

Abstract: The chemical stability of low ammonia natural rubber latices and latex compounds is improved by the addition of from 0.1 to 0.5 parts by weight solids, per 100 parts by weight of natural rubber solids, of a neutralized or partially neutralized anionic phosphate surfactant having a pH in a 20 percent aqueous solution of from 4 to 12. The resultant stabilized natural rubber latices or latex compounds are particularly suitable for use in preparing prevulcanized dipping compounds.

Abstract: An adhesive composition for bonding cured layers of EPDM together is provided which comprises a neutralized sulfonated EPDM elastomeric terpolymer, an organic hydrocarbon solvent or mixture of an organic hydrocarbon solvent and an aliphatic alcohol, a para-alkylated phenol formaldehyde tackifying resin and an alkylphenol or ethoxylated alkylphenol. A method for bonding the cured layers of EPDM together utilizing the adhesive composition is also provided.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate molding compositions are provided which comprise a polyethylene terephthalate having an inherent viscosity of at least 0.4, a plasticizer, a lubricating polymer, a nucleating agent, a reinforcing agent or mixture of reinforcing agent and filler, and a molecular weight reducing agent for the polyethylene terephthalate. The molding compositions can be injection molded utilizing mold temperatures below 100.degree. C. (e.g., 60.degree.-90.degree. C.). The molded compositions exhibit an excellent balance of properties such as tensile strength, flex modulus, heat distortion temperature and impact strength.

Abstract: A process and catalyst system is disclosed herein for the preparation of (co)polymers having a 1,2-microstructure of between 20 and 95 percent. These (co)polymers are prepared in a hydrocarbon or other non-polar solvent from a monomer system which contains at least one 1,3-diene monomer. The catalyst system which is employed in the production of the (co)polymers of the present invention is a combination of (1) an anionic initiator based on lithium; (2) an alkyl magnesium compound or an alkyl aluminum compound or a mixture thereof; and (3) a modifier compound selected from the group consisting of linear and cyclic oligomeric oxolanyl alkanes.

Abstract: A process and catalyst system is disclosed herein for the preparation of (co)polymers having a 1,2-microstructure of between 20 and 95 percent. These (co)polymers are prepared in a hydrocarbon or other non-polar solvent from a monomer system which contains at least one 1,3-diene monomer. The catalyst system which is employed in the production of the (co)polymers of the present invention is a combination of (1) an anionic initiator based on lithium, and (2) a modifier compound selected from the group consisting of linear and cyclic oligomeric oxolanyl alkanes.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions having resistance to impact comprising (a) from about 50 to about 90 percent by weight of a polyamide having a number average molecular weight of at least 10,000 and (b) from about 10 to about 50 percent by weight of a maleic anhydride adduct of a hydrogenated polymer of one or more conjugated dienes or a hydrogenated copolymer of a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon, said hydrogenated polymer or copolymer having a residual unsaturation content of from about 0.5 to about 20% of its original unsaturation content prior to hydrogenation; wherein at least 5 percent by weight of components (a) and (b) are present in the form of a graft copolymer containing at least 20 percent of polyamide. The compositions exhibit especially advantageous properties, particularly high impact strength and are useful in a variety of molding applications such as molded bushings, gears, cams, valves and a variety of other products.