Abstract: A sample handling device for automatically handling a multiplicity of samples, particularly the encapsulated samples for evaluation using a differential scanning calorimeter, on an individual basis. The device comprises a vacuum means, which is capable of transferring a new sample to be substituted for a tested sample, a transfer means, which is capable of removing and replacing a cover means to allow the transfer of the new sample to be substituted for the tested sample.

Abstract: A polymer resin comprising a blend of an olefin polymer, such as polyethylene, a monovinylidene aromatic polymer, such as polystyrene, and a grafted, block copolymer compatibilizing agent. The compatibilizing agent comprises an .alpha.-olefin copolymer substrate grafted with amounts of monovinylidene aromatic polymer. Preferably, the .alpha.-olefin copolymer substrate is a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a non-conjugated diolefin. This thermoplastic material has very desirable property combinations, combining the desirable properties from the olefinic and monovinylidene aromatic polymers. The blend can be shaped into final products by thermoforming techniques yet possesses many desirable polyolefin properties such as environmental stress crack resistance.

Abstract: Impact-modified monovinylidene aromatic polymer compositions are prepared having a specified broad molecular weight distribution. The resins prepared from these resins have been found to produce improved injection molded articles in that flow lines are reduced.

Abstract: Monovinylidene aromatic polymer compositions which have good combinations of strength, heat resistance and melt flow properties, are produced by, in effect, adding minor amounts of high molecular weight monovinylidene aromatic polymers to major amounts of intermediate molecular weight polymers. These compositions can be advantageously produced by feeding previously polymerized high molecular weight polymer, dissolved in monomer, into a polymerization zone or reactor wherein the intermediate molecular weight polymer is produced in the presence of the high molecular weight polymer.

Abstract: Olefin polymer films are produced comprising amounts of one or more permeability reducing fatty acid derivative compounds. The resultant films have improved barrier abilities as evidenced by reduced methyl bromide diffusion rates. The films are very suitably employed as soil fumigation tarpaulins or soil covering materials. Improved methods for confining chemical treatment agents are also taught.

Abstract: Impact-resistant transparent polymeric compositions are prepared comprising particulate diene-monovinylidene aromatic block copolymer elastomer dispersed in a matrix comprising polymerized monovinylidene aromatic and acrylate monomers. These compositions can be advantageously prepared by adding the elastomeric block copolymer to an agitated polymerization system at a point where the elastomer will become dispersed as particles immediately or nearly immediately after addition.

Abstract: Improved combinations of gloss and toughness are obtained in rubber-modified, impact-resistant monovinylidene aromatic polymer compositions when mass-produced particles consisting of a blend of polybutadiene with a block copolymer rubber are dispersed therein. Advantageously, the rubber-modified polymer compositions also comprise one or more groups of emulsion-produced rubber particles.

Abstract: Particle size distribution in elastomeric latex preparations is advantageously controlled and improved by treatment of the prepared latex with an agglomerating agent (AgAg) copolymer having an elastomeric "core" and grafted thereto a "shell" of interpolymer comprising polymerized acid and ester comonomers. The grafted interpolymer can beneficially be a polymerized mixture of ethyl acrylate and methacrylic acid. Agglomerated latex product can be recovered for direct utilization of its favorably particle size-distributed elastomeric component or for other purposes such as grafted polymer blends, ABS and similar products.

Abstract: The char-forming characteristics of vinyl aromatic polymers are improved by the incorporation therein of (1) active allyl and/or benzyl carbon moieties and (2) an arylsulfonate ester. In an example, a styrenic polymer comprising polyvinylbenzylacetate is given increased char-forming ability by the presence of pentaerythritol parabromobenzenesulfonate.

Abstract: A method for foaming heat foamable thermoplastic resin preforms and the product produced thereby. Said preforms are foamed in a series of foaming stages, said series comprising at least one stress-relieving foaming stage and at least one additional foaming stage subsequent thereto and at a higher temperature. This method facilitates the production of foam sheets, slabs and planks of better quality than that provided by previously known single stage foaming methods. In an example, a crosslinked, expandable, polyethylene preform is foamed by such a method using two foaming stages.

Abstract: Method for treatment of a solid material submerged in a body of liquid wherein the material is sticky and/or has relatively low tensile strength. The material being treated is supported, while so submerged, by a dynamic boundary layer of a liquid material between the treated material and a stationary porous restraining surface, the layer being created by the forced diffusion of said liquid through the pores of said stationary surface. The method is illustrated by heating and thereby foaming a strip of heat foamable thermoplastic resin while it is held submerged in a denser heat transfer liquid by a dynamic layer of said heat transfer liquid, said layer of heat transfer liquid being created by the forced diffusion thereof through a porous plate in operative communication with a pressurized chamber containing a supply of said liquid.