Abstract: Macromolecules with a distribution of molecular weights and functionality which can be rendered useful by heterogeneous catalytic modification are selectively modified on the basis of molecular dimensions and diffusion rates, using catalysts with specific pore size and particle size distribution. For example, liquid polymers are produced having both hydroxyl and carbonyl functionality with the carbonyl/hydroxyl ratio increasing with molecular weight. More specifically, a high molecular weight polymer is cleaved by ozonation with subsequent reduction with a heterogeneous catalyst having some pores smaller than the radii of gyration of the largest fractions but larger than the radii of gyration of other fractions of the molecular weight distribution of the polymer. The reduction may be performed in an intraparticle mass transfer controlling regime which further influences reduction efficiency as a function of molecular weight.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering polymer from a solution of the polymer in a solvent by high temperature phase separation in which a low molecular weight hydrocarbon is added to the solution, the solution and the added hydrocarbon are subjected to a temperature and pressure so that one liquid phase is formed and the pressure is reduced to form three phases, namely, a vapor phase rich in the hydrocarbon, a polymer-lean liquid phase and a polymer-rich liquid phase. The polymer-rich liquid phase is separated from the vapor phase and the polymer-lean liquid phase, and the polymer is then recovered from the polymer-rich liquid phase.

Abstract: A method for obtaining improved diene conversion in the manufacture of EPDM type terpolymers is disclosed in which the polymerization reaction is conducted in a series of two or more stirred reactors with substantially all of the non-conjugated diene monomer being fed to the first reactor to thereby produce a polymer that has a non-uniform diene content.

Abstract: Pneumatic tire sidewall compositions are disclosed comprising blends of a halobutyl rubber, a high unsaturation rubber and an oil extended terpolymer of ethylene, propylene, and a diene wherein the oil extended terpolymer contains from between 25 to 150 phr of a paraffinic or naphthenic oil. These triblends provide sidewalls of unexpectedly improved flex resistance, even as compared to similar triblend compositions in which similar amounts of oil are included, but in which an oil extended terpolymer is not employed. Furthermore, methods of preparing such compositions are also disclosed comprising preparing an oil extended terpolymer, and then blending that terpolymer with the halobutyl and high unsaturation rubbers.

Abstract: A heterogeneous catalytic process for dehydrohalogenating allylically halogenated olefinic hydrocarbon polymers to produce conjugated diene unsaturated polymeric products is disclosed comprising employing certain metal containing catalyst compositions, especially activated alumina supported copper containing catalysts. The process is especially suitable for the preparation of conjugated diene butyl elastomers from halogenated butyl rubber and produces products having relatively high reactivity levels in terms of active diene content.

Abstract: Reinforced molding compounds are disclosed comprising elastomer modified thermosetting unsaturated polyesters which include conjugated diene butyl rubber elastomer copolymer dispersed therein, and which further include inorganic particulate filler material and a free radical polymerizable monomer. Preferably, they also include a thermoplastic component, and such compounds have improved surface appearance, toughness and impact strength as demonstrated by the molded articles produced from such a low profile system.

Abstract: Methods for preparing reinforced molding compounds are disclosed, comprising preparing a first paste component from a mixture of a thermosetting unsaturated polyester component, a free radical polymerizable monomer component and an inorganic particulate filler component, preparing a second paste component from a conjugated diene butyl elastomer copolymer component, a free radical polymerizable monomer component, and an inorganic particulate filler component, and combining the first and second paste components in order to produce an elastomer modified thermosetting unsaturated polyester molding compound having improved surface appearance, toughness and impact strength. Preferably, one or both of the paste components will include a thermoplastic polymer additive component to provide low profile qualities to the product.

Abstract: Methods for producing rubbery polymers are disclosed comprising forming a slurry of such rubbery polymers, preferably butyl rubber prepared from a mixture of a C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 isoolefin and a C.sub.4 to C.sub.10 conjugated mutiolefin in a low temperature reaction zone in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst and an organic halide diluent, passing that slurry into an overflow passage for transporting the slurry to a recovery system, and injecting a mixture of a hydrocarbon liquid having a boiling point above the boiling point of the organic halide and a polar organic catalyst quenching agent into said overflow passage at a point adjacent to the outlet from the reaction zone in order to prevent continued production of polymer in the overflow passage and to maintain the overflow passage substantially free of agglomerates.