Abstract: The specification discloses a method and additive for increasing the surface activity of non-polar polymeric materials, and a non-polar polymeric material exhibiting increased surface activity. The invention employs an additive of the formulaA-B-A.sup.1wherein each of the A and A.sup.1 blocks which may be the same or different has a number molecular weight in the range of from about 200 to about 1000 daltons and is selected from the group substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl and alkylaryl units derived from one or more esters, organic acids, organic halides or organic acid halides, and units derived from alkyl or aryl isocyanates or ester-amides. The B-block is a polyepichlorohydrin unit derived from a polyepichlorohydrin polyol having at least two terminal hydroxyl groups and having an average molecular weight in the range of from about 400 to about 4000 daltons.

Abstract: The specification discloses a process for cationic polymerization of vinyl aromatic monomers, adhesive compositions containing polymers made by the process and use of the polymers as processing aids for thermoplastic polymers. In the process, a vinyl aromatic monomer is dissolved in an organic solvent containing a complex comprising an in situ formed ester of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and a Lewis acid to provide a polymer having a softening point above about 125.degree. C. and a polydispersity index above about 2.0. Surprisingly, the Lewis acid/acrylate complex causes the reaction to proceed with reduced exothermicity and enables an increase in the softening point and yield as compared with a polymer made without the complex or using other complexes.

Abstract: The specification discloses terpene-based solvent compositions which comprise diterpenes as a major component and a minor amount of monoterpenes. The mixtures exhibit solvent properties similar to monoterpenes but have flash points high enough to be classified as combustible rather than flammable materials.

Abstract: The specification discloses a process for making high viscosity gelled ink resins which exhibit improved properties. In a preferred embodiment, a precursor resin is conducted through an extruder with a cross-linking agent, preferably a heat reactive phenolic resin, to induce formation of covalent cross-link bonds in the resin producing a high viscosity resin which resists viscosity breakdown under high shear conditions. The resulting gelled ink resins may be used directly in making ink, obviating the need for further gelation and avoiding the use of conventional organo-metallic gelling agents.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to methods for vulcanizing elastomeric materials. The method comprises providing a mixture of ZnO and an amphiphilic triblock copolymer selected from the group consisting of rosin and C.sub.18 -C.sub.24 fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol and the use of the mixture for vulcanizing an elastomeric component with sulfur. The mixture not only improves the dispersion of zinc salts in the elastomeric composition but also reduces mold fouling by reducing the migration of zinc salts to the interfacial area of the elastomeric composition.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for treating a pigment presscake containing pigment and water to remove the water therefrom. The method is carried out by contacting the presscake with a flushing agent containing an uncatalyzed or acid catalyzed rosin ester and an ink oil to provide a mixture containing the pigment, the flushing agent and water which is then separated from the mixture by well known separation techniques such as decanting to provide a flushed pigment. The specification also discloses a flushing agent and an ink composition containing the uncatalyzed or acid catalyzed rosin ester.

Abstract: The specification discloses a polyphenylene oxide delivery system for use in preparing an A-B-A block copolymer adhesive formulation having an increased service temperature. The delivery system comprises a preblend of polyphenylene oxide (PPO) resin having a T.sub.g within the range of from about 150.degree. to about 210.degree. C. and a B-block compatible resin. The PPO/B-block resin preblend enables introduction of more PPO into the composition thereby increasing the service temperature of the adhesive formulation.

Abstract: The specification discloses an additive composition for use in preparing adhesive formulations, particularly hot melt adhesive formulations based on A-B-A block copolymers which exhibit increased upper service temperatures. The additive composition comprises a preblend of of an A-block compatible reinforcing resin having a number average molecular weight ranging from about 2,000 to about 10,000 Daltons and a polydispersity index of less than about 4.0 and a B-block compatible resin. The A-block compatible reinforcing resin/B-block resin preblend enables introduction of more A-block reinforcing resin into the composition thereby increasing the overall upper service temperature of the adhesive formulation.

Abstract: The specification discloses elastomeric compositions and methods for making elastomeric compositions containing silica. The elastomeric composition comprises an elastomeric matrix containing from about 1 to about 40 wt. % silica and from about 0.1 to about 20 wt. % of an additive selected from the group consisting of rosin acid or fatty acid monoesters of glycerol and block copolymers having at least one A-block derived from the group consisting of rosin acids and fatty acids and a B-block having a number average molecular weight in the range of from about 200 to about 2500 daltons derived from the group consisting of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a polyepichlorohydrin (PECH) polyol. The additive provides substantial improvement in the dispersion and adhesion of silica in the elastomeric matrix which substantially improves the strength and other properties of the material.

Abstract: The specification describes a process for making gelled ink resins which exhibit improved properties. In a preferred embodiment, a rosin-based or hydrocarbon-based resin is mixed with an organic solvent and reacted with a crosslink agent under conditions sufficient to produce a substantially covalently cross-link gelled resin. The resulting gelled resin resists viscosity breakdown under high shear conditions and may be used directly for making ink compositions, obviating the need for further gelation and avoiding the use of conventional organo-metallic gelling agents.

Abstract: An ink vehicle composition is provided comprising a polymeric type resin binder component and a terpene dimer oil. In an alternate embodiment the compositions further include an additional oil selected from linseed oil, soya bean oil, tung oil, or other oils having drying characteristics defined by an Iodine value greater than 120. Advantageously, the compositions contain a reduced amount of petroleum distillate solvent and lower volatile organic compounds (VOC) than conventional ink vehicles. As an ink vehicle the compositions are further incorporated into ink formulations. The varnish compositions are also used as an overprint varnish on a substrate surface.

Abstract: The specification discloses an emulsifier for use in preparing olefinic polymers by emulsion polymerization which comprises a mixture of alkali metal salts of unsaturated branched chain isomers of fatty acids characterized by a relatively low concentration of di- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. The unsaturated branched chain isomers of fatty acids are preferably provided by the monomeric distillate fraction from the dimerization of the unsaturated fatty acid fraction of tall oil, and the alkali metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium and potassium. The disclosure also describes a polymerization emulsion for use in the polymerization of olefinic monomers and a method for polymerizing olefinic monomeric compounds employing an emulsifier which comprises the saponified monomeric distillate fraction from the dimerization of unsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract: Terpene dimer compositions are provided which dry into a hard, tack free film upon exposure to air. The compositions include a terpene dimer having the molecular formula C.sub.20 H.sub.32 and contain at least one double bond. The terpene dimer is derived from a naturally occurring monoterpene, or mixtures thereof, having the molecular formula C.sub.10 H.sub.16. In an another embodiment the compositions, in addition to the terpene dimer, include isomers of the monoterpenes. The compositions are substantially free of higher terpene oligomers having molecular formulas greater than C.sub.20 H.sub.32. Processes for making the terpene dimer compositions are also provided. Advantageous utilization of these compositions is as a diluent, solvent or component in coating, adhesive, alkyd or ink formulations, as an environmentally safe non-toxic material.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and additive for increasing the surface activity of non-polar polymeric materials, and a non-polar polymeric material exhibiting increased surface activity. The invention employs an additive of the formulaA-B-A.sup.1wherein each of the A and A.sup.1 blocks which may be the same or different has a number molecular weight in the range of from about 200 to about 1000 daltons and is selected from the group substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl and alkylaryl units derived from one or more esters, organic acids, organic halides or organic acid halides, and units derived from alkyl or aryl isocyanates or ester-amides. The B-block is a polyepichlorohydrin unit derived from a polyepichlorohydrin polyol having at least two terminal hydroxyl groups and having an average molecular weight in the range of from about 400 to about 4000 daltons.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for making DCPD based resins that have essentially unimodal molecular weight distributions. The method comprises polymerizing dicyclopentadiene monomer in the presence of an organic sulfur compound which is effective to control the molecular weight distribution of the polymerized product. For end-use performance in inks, adhesives, coatings and other related areas, the invention provides dicyclopentadiene based resins having molecular weight distributions which effectively enhance the resin solubility and compatability in various formulations.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for making DCPD based resins that have relatively narrow molecular weight distributions. The method comprises thermally polymerizing dicyclopentadiene monomer in the presence of one or more strong acids, preferably with an olefinic modifier, to provide a dicyclopentadiene oligomer. Optionally, an organic sulfur species can also be used to further effect molecular weight control. For end-use performance in inks, adhesives, coatings and other related areas, the invention provides dicyclopentadiene oligomer resins having weight average molecular weights less than 1000 and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions, as measured by a polydispersity index, of less than about 2.3. Among the strong acids that are effective for controlling molecular weight, hypophosphorous acid is preferred because it gives light colored resins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for thermally bonding dissimilar polymeric layers on a paper or paperboard substrate whereby the bonding strength between the dissimilar polymeric layers is substantially increased. The method utilizes a resin of the structureA-B-A'wherein each of A and A' is selected from a hydrocarbonous material which is melt compatible with one of the polymeric layers and B is a hydrocarbonous material having characteristics compatible with the other polymeric layer in order to modify the dissimilar polymeric materials in such a manner that there is an increased thermal bonding strength between the dissimilar polymeric materials.

Abstract: A method for forming a polymer with a decreased surface energy. The method comprises the steps of mixing from about 99.5% to about 95.0% of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefin and polyester with from about 0.5% to about 5.0% of a surface modifying agent having the structure R.sup.1 --A--Si(R.sup.2 R.sup.3)--O--[Si(R.sup.4 R.sup.5)--O].sub.n --Si--(R.sup.6 R.sup.7)--A--R.sup.8, and forming the mix of polymer and additive to a desired form. R.sup.1 and R.sup.8 are selected from the group consisting of derivatives of aliphatic or aliphatic/aromatic alcohols or mono-acids with a molecular weight of between about 250 to about 600 daltons, and A is selected from the group consisting of --O--, --NH--C(O)--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --, and --C(O)--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --. The agent is substantially intimately mixed with the polymer.

Abstract: The specification discloses a process for making high viscosity gelled ink resins which exhibit improved properties. In a preferred embodiment, a precursor resin is conducted through an extruder with a cross-linking agent, preferably a heat reactive phenolic resin, to induce formation of covalent cross-link bonds in the resin producing a high viscosity resin which resists viscosity breakdown under high shear conditions. The resulting gelled ink resins may be used directly in making ink, obviating the need for further gelation and avoiding the use of conventional organo-metallic gelling agents.

Abstract: The specification describes a method for preparing a phenol-modified dicyclopentadiene resin. The method comprises reacting (a) dicyclopentadiene, (b) a phenol selected from the group consisting of an alkyl phenol having the formula CH.sub.3 C.sub.n H.sub.2n C.sub.6 H.sub.4 OH, where n is from 1 to 9, and a bisphenol having the formula HOC.sub.6 H.sub.4 (CR.sub.2).sub.x C.sub.6 H.sub.4 OH, where R is independently hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl group and x is from 1 to 4, or mixtures thereof; (c) a fatty acid or a derivative thereof selected from the group consisting of tall oil, a tall oil derivative, dimer fatty acid, linseed oil and mixtures thereof; and (d) an unsaturated organic diacid or an anhydride thereof, at a temperature and autogenous pressure sufficient to produce a phenol-modified dicyclopentadiene resin. The resin product exhibits improved compatibility with ink vehicles and formulations, particularly ARLO or alkyd modified inks.