Abstract: A modified asphalt composition contains a bituminous component, a copolymeric thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a high-cis homopolymeric polybutadiene rubber (BR) and a cross-linking agent. The modified asphalt composition exhibits improved low temperature flexibility (crack resistance), improved resistance to rutting (deformation) and/or improved storage stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (halogenated) copolymer vulcanizates and the use thereof in devices such as seals, tank linings, o-rings or hoses which are in contact with liquid medium comprising oxymethylene ether.

Abstract: A polyisoolefin-based polymer composition having a multimodal molecular weight distribution is described, which can be prepared by the late addition of a chain transfer agent to the polymerization process. The polymer composition has a low molecular weight fraction having a peak molecular weight (Mp) of less than about 100,000 g/mol and a high molecular weight fraction having a peak molecular weight (Mp) of greater than about 250,000 g/mol, the low molecular weight fraction present in the composition in an amount less than the high molecular weight fraction. Cured articles produced from the polyisoolefin-based polymer composition exhibit improved processability while maintaining physical properties.

Abstract: Methods are provided to efficiently produce butyl rubber via a slurry polymerization process. The process comprises providing at least two monomers, wherein at least one monomer is an isoolefin and at least one monomer is a multiolefin. The monomers are combined with an initiator and an organic diluent comprising 40-60 volume % of methyl chloride and 40-60 volume % of 1,1,1, 2-tetrafluoroethane and polymerized.

Abstract: A BrønstedLowry acid initiator system for cationic polymerization of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer involves an initiator having a structure of Formula (I) in an anhydrous polymerization medium (I) where: M is tantalum (Ta), vanadium (V) or niobium (Ni); each R1 is independently H, OR6, F, Cl, Br, I or alkyl, where R6 is H or alkyl; R2, R3, R4 and R5 are independently H, F, Cl Br, I, alkyl or aryl, or two or more of R2, R3, R4 and R5 on a same benzene ring form a bicyclic, tricyclic or tetracyclic moiety with the benzene ring, with the proviso that all of R2, R3, R4 and R5 on the same benzene ring are not H; L is absent or a molecule that coordinates to H+; and, x is 0 when L is absent, or x is 0.5 or more when L is present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to reduce or prevent agglomeration of polyisobutylene particles in aqueous media by LCST compounds and highly pure polyisobutylenes obtained thereby. The invention further relates to polyisobutylene products comprising the same or derived therefrom.

Abstract: A copolymer has high levels of multolefin incorporation. A process for producing the copolymer having high levels of multiolefin incorporation involves contacting at least one isoolefin monomer with at least one multiolefin and/or ?-pinene monomer in the presence of at least one Lewis acid and at least one initiator in a diluent. The diluent contains a hydrofluor-Mated olefin (HFO) comprising at least three carbon atoms and at least three fluorine atoms. Hydrofluorinated olefins used in the present invention are better diluents for butyl slurry cationic polymerization than saturated hydro-fluorocarbons.

Abstract: This invention discloses a sulfur free and ZnO free cross-linking composition comprising a multifunctional phosphine crosslinking agent and halobutyl polymers or halogen containing polymers.