Abstract: This invention relates to grafted ethylene-higher &agr;-olefin polymers and blends thereof. Preferred grafted ethylene-higher &agr;-olefin polymers are multimodal EPDM's having 5-40 weight % of a higher molecular weight, higher ethylene content, lower diene content fraction grafted with maleic anhydride. These polymers can then be used as modifiers for additional polymers such as polyamides, polyesters, and other EPDM's.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a welded joint between abutting pieces of steel. The welded joint is produced by first forming a strength weld and then depositing additional weld metal on the toe of the strength weld to form a toughness weld. The fusion interface of the toughness weld forms a minimum angle with the direction of the maximum tensile load across the welded joint. The toughness weld toe is separated from the heat-affected zone of the strength weld to effectively prevent propagation of a crack initiated at the toughness weld toe into the heat-affected zone of the strength weld. The welded joint so produced is substantially resistant to failure by brittle fracture.