Abstract: Processes for preparing a powdery high rubber impact modifier containing two or more populations of polymer particles having a total rubbery weight fraction of greater than 90 weight percent is provided. Also provided are various methods of preparing aqueous polymer particle dispersions having two or more populations of polymer particles having a total rubbery weight fraction of greater than 90 weight percent. These dispersions are spray-driable into a powder and are useful for increasing the impact strength of various matrix resins.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric additive systems and processes for preparing polymeric additive systems which contain a liquid component and a solid component, wherein the weight fraction of the solid component is more than 50%. The present invention also provides polymeric compositions and processes for preparing polymeric compositions that include a polymeric component and a polymeric additive system which contains a liquid component and a solid component, wherein the weight fraction of the solid component is more than 50%. The disclosed compositions and processes are useful in the preparation of polymeric materials and articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: A process for preparing a liquid rubber composition comprises: (a) Forming a reaction mixture of (i) from 1.0 to 99.999 weight percent of the reaction mixture of at least one C1-C20 alkyl acrylate monomer; and (ii) from 0.001 to 20 weight percent of the reaction mixture of at least one aromatic-containing initiator; (b) charging the reaction mixture into a reactor maintained at a reaction temperature of up to 400° C.; and (c) polymerizing said monomer with said aromatic-containing initiator to form a liquid rubber with polymer chains having at least one non-functional aromatic end-group.

Abstract: A polymer comprises polymer chains having a glass transition temperature of less than 25° C. and a weight average molecular weight of less than 20,000 wherein the polymer chains contain at least one non-functional aromatic end-group. The polymer is miscible in the uncured state of said thermoset resins and immiscible in the cured state of the thermoset resins.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for preparing extrudable powder blends containing at least one vinyl chloride resin and a cellulosic material are provided. More specifically, compositions and processes for preparing extrudable free-flowing powder blends containing PVC and wood flour (WF) are also provided for preparing foamed or nonfoamed extrudates. The processes provided herein incorporate components which may contain up to a total of 25 weight percent water. Processes for preparing foamed extrudates are also provided wherein a cooling fluid is used to increase the expansion ratio of the foam. Finally provided are composites having an extrudable thermoplastic substrate and at least one capstock layer disposed thereon containing a PVC/WF composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and processes for preparing polymeric materials having polymerizable units derived from at least one C8 to C30 alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer, and at least one chain branching unit. The presence of the chain branching unit suprisingly results in the polymeric composition having non-gelled polymer chains. The polymeric compositions are useful as additives for improving the melt strength of thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: A process and composition for MBS modifiers having (A) a rubbery core, (B) an inner graft stage comprised mainly of a hard polymer, (C) an intermediate sealer stage comprised mainly of an alkyl acrylate monomer and/or a polyunsaturated crosslinker, and (D) an outer shell to provide compatibility of the core-shell polymer with the matrix polymer, is disclosed. A process for preparing MBS impact modifiers having suprisingly improved impact performance in matrix polymers is also disclosed. Articles prepared from blends of matrix polymers and the MBS core-shell polymers described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Modified SAN resin blend compositions that have good clarity and improved tensile properties compared to unmodified SAN resins are described. The compositions are blends of SAN resins and certain modifiers which are core-shell polymers with (A) a core composed principally of rubbery polymers, such as copolymers of diolefins with vinyl aromatic monomers, such as copolymers of butadiene with styrene, (B) an intermediate stage composed principally of hard polymers, such as polymers or copolymers of vinyl aromatic monomers, and (C) a shell composed principally of vinyl aromatic copolymers that contain hydroxyl functional groups or their equivalents (e.g. styrene/hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers).

Abstract: A new class of low flammability cosolvents comprising saturated C1-C8 alkyl (meth)acrylate oligomers having a molecular weight in the range of from about 160 to 1000 g/mol are disclosed for use in nonaqueous electrolytes for electrochemical cells. A novel process for preparing saturated meth(acrylic) oligomeric electrolyte cosolvents is also disclosed. Secondary electrochemical cells employing an anode, a cathode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution comprising these new cosolvents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Concentrated solutions of biocides are provided, particularly for silicone caulks, which comprise a biocide, sufficient levels of a ketoxime as a solvent for the biocide, and optional non-volatile carrier liquid.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an image enhancing agent having a polymeric core including an image-enhancing compound chemically bound thereto and a polymeric shell surrounding the core and compound. The agent may be used for enhancing MRI images, by introducing gadolinium or other appropriate material into the core. Generally, the core is formed from an acid monomer and an esterified monomer. Preferably, a cross-linking monomer is included in the core.

Abstract: Impact modifiers that produce transparent, high Dynatup impact strength blends with amorphous, aromatic polyesters are described. The impact modifiers are core-shell polymers with (A) a core composed principally of rubbery polymers, such as copolymers of diolefins with vinyl aromatic monomers, such as copolymers of butadiene with styrene, (B) an intermediate stage composed principally of hard polymers, such as polymers or copolymers of vinyl aromatic monomers, and (C) a shell composed principally of vinyl aromatic copolymers that contain hydroxyl functional groups or their equivalents (e.g. styrene/hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers).