Abstract: Polymer blends, methods of making, and methods of using the polymer blends are described. A polymer blend can include a polyethylene (PE) polymer and a controlled rheology polypropylene (CRPP) polymer having a PE polymer to CRPP polymer (PE:CRPP) weight ratio of greater than 1:1.

Abstract: A styrenic polymer characterized by a z-average molecular weight of from about 339 kDa to about 520 kDa; a molecular weight distribution of from about 2.5 to about 5.0; a melt strength of from about 0.010 N to about 0.018 N and a melt A method of preparing a styrenic polymer comprising contacting a styrenic monomer, an optional comonomer and an optional initiator to a plurality of temperature environments wherein the difference in temperature between the first environment and the last environment is greater than about 30° C. to form the styrenic polymer; and recovering the styrenic polymer.

Abstract: A high impact polystyrene reactor system includes a first continuously stirred tank reactor. The first continuously stirred tank reactor includes an inlet configured to receive (i) at least one vinyl aromatic monomer, (ii) an elastomer, and (iii) a free radical initiator; and an outlet configured to convey a first reactor effluent. In addition, the high impact polystyrene reactor system includes a second continuously stirred tank reactor. The second continuously stirred tank reactor includes an inlet in fluid communication with the first continuously stirred tank reactor outlet and configured to receive (i) a portion of the first reactor effluent from the first continuously stirred tank reactor, (ii) at least one vinyl aromatic monomer, (iii) an elastomer, and (iv) a free radical initiator; and an outlet configured to convey a portion of a second reactor effluent comprising high impact polystyrene.

Abstract: Color-stable rheology controlled polyolefin compositions and methods of making are described. A color-stable rheology controlled polyolefin composition can include a controlled rheology grade thermoplastic polyolefin, and an effective amount of a trisamide-based compound that imparts color-stability to the composition. The color-stable solid-state thermoplastic polyolefin composition can have a Hunter b value color change (?b) rate of ?0.03/day when stored at 93° C. for 50 days.

Abstract: A curable liquid rubber composition including at least one liquid polyene component and at least one heat activated crosslinking agent. The liquid polyene component may be a single polyene or a blend of polyenes. In one embodiment, the liquid polyene component may contain on a molar basis, at least one monomer that results in at least 45 molar percent of C2-C13 pendant groups. In another embodiment, the liquid polyene component may contain on a molar basis at least one monomer that results in at least 20 molar percent of C2-C5 pendant groups, and at least one monomer that results in at least 7 molar percent of C6-C13 pendant groups. After curing, the liquid rubber composition may have a loss factor greater than 0.51, a maximum loss factor temperature greater than ?10° C., and a swelling ratio in toluene from 40% to 170% by weight.

Abstract: A macromonomer precursor is provided that includes a polymeric chain derived from farnesene and a single functional terminal end. The functional terminal end may include a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an epoxy group, an isocyanato group, or a carboxylic acid group. The terminal end of the macromonomer precursor may then be reacted with a (meth)acrylate to form a macromonomer having a (meth)acrylate functionalized terminal end that may be (co)polymerized with radically polymerizable monomers, such as alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers. Alternatively, a copolymer may be obtained by first deriving a poly(meth)acrylate from (meth)acrylate monomers having reactive groups that would allow the macromonomer precursors to be grafted onto the poly(meth)acrylate in a second step. The resulting copolymer may be incorporated as an additive in various formulations, such as a lubricant, a hydraulic fluid, a cosmetic composition, and an adhesive composition.

Abstract: A curable low sulfur liquid rubber composition including at least one polymer which contains, in polymerized form, at least one monomer having a carbon chain of four and a peroxide system which includes at least one organic peroxide and at least one coagent. The polymer has a vinyl content of 1% to 90% and a number average molecular weight of 800 g/mol to 70,000 g/mol. The curable low sulfur liquid rubber composition has a sulfur content of 0 to 1%, by weight, and is curable at a temperature of 100° C. to 190° C.

Abstract: A low molecular weight co-oligomer containing styrene and ?-methyl styrene in bound form and having a ring and ball softening point not greater than 50° C. is useful in modifying the properties of a diene elastomer-based curable rubber composition capable of being used to manufacture tire treads.

Abstract: A curable low sulfur liquid rubber composition including at least one polymer which contains, in polymerized form, at least one monomer having a carbon chain of four and a peroxide system which includes at least one organic peroxide and at least one coagent. The polymer has a vinyl content of 1% to 90% and a number average molecular weight of 800 g/mol to 70,000 g/mol. The curable low sulfur liquid rubber composition has a sulfur content of 0 to 1%, by weight, and is curable at a temperature of 100° C. to 190° C.

Abstract: A curable liquid rubber composition including at least one liquid polyene component and at least one heat activated crosslinking agent. The liquid polyene component may be a single polyene or a blend of polyenes. In one embodiment, the liquid polyene component may contain on a molar basis, at least one monomer that results in at least 45 molar percent of C2-C13 pendant groups. In another embodiment, the liquid polyene component may contain on a molar basis at least one monomer that results in at least 20 molar percent of C2-C5 pendant groups, and at least one monomer that results in at least 7 molar percent of C6-C13 pendant groups. After curing, the liquid rubber composition may have a loss factor greater than 0.51, a maximum loss factor temperature greater than ?10° C., and a swelling ratio in toluene from 40% to 170% by weight.

Abstract: Catalyst Systems, processes of forming the same and polymers and polymerization processes are described herein.

Abstract: A macromonomer precursor is provided that includes a polymeric chain derived from farnesene and a single functional terminal end. The functional terminal end may include a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an epoxy group, an isocyanato group, or a carboxylic acid group. The terminal end of the macromonomer precursor may then be reacted with a (meth)acrylate to form a macromonomer having a (meth)acrylate functionalized terminal end that may be (co)polymerized with radically polymerizable monomers, such as alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers. Alternatively, a copolymer may be obtained by first deriving a poly(meth)acrylate from (meth)acrylate monomers having reactive groups that would allow the macromonomer precursors to be grafted onto the poly(meth)acrylate in a second step. The resulting copolymer may be incorporated as an additive in various formulations, such as a lubricant, a hydraulic fluid, a cosmetic composition, and an adhesive composition.

Abstract: A modified polymer includes a diene-based polymeric chain and at least one end terminated with a blocked isocyanate group. The blocked isocyanate group may be the reaction product of an isocyanate and a blocking agent, and the blocking agent is selected, such that the modified polymer deblocks at temperatures of at least 100 C. An aqueous emulsion of the modified polymer may be provided that may be surfactant-free. The emulsion may be combined with one or more latexes to provide a treatment solution for a fabric or fiber that does not require the use of resorcinol and formaldehyde. Once treated and dried, the fabric or fiber may be used to impart tensile strength to rubber products, such as tires, air springs, flexible couplings, power transmission belts, conveyor belts, and fluid routing hoses.

Abstract: A macromonomer precursor is provided that includes a polymeric chain derived from farnesene and a single functional terminal end. The functional terminal end may include a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an epoxy group, an isocyanato group, or a carboxylic acid group. The terminal end of the macromonomer precursor may then be reacted with a (meth)acrylate to form a macromonomer having a (meth)acrylate functionalized terminal end that may be (co)polymerized with radically polymerizable monomers, such as alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers. Alternatively, a copolymer may be obtained by first deriving a poly(meth)acrylate from (meth)acrylate monomers having reactive groups that would allow the macromonomer precursors to be grafted onto the poly(meth)acrylate in a second step. The resulting copolymer may be incorporated as an additive in various formulations, such as a lubricant, a hydraulic fluid, a cosmetic composition, and an adhesive composition.

Abstract: Curable compositions are prepared using polyisocyanates, hydrophobic hydroxyl-terminated polymers (such as hydroxyl-terminated polyfarnesenes and hydroxyl-terminated polydienes) and organically-modified nanoclays, optionally in combination with chain extenders and/or urethane catalysts. When cured, the compositions yield polyurethane-based sealants useful in insulating glass units which have improved (lowered) moisture vapor transmission rate values as a consequence of the inclusion of the organically-modified nanoclays.

Abstract: Methods of forming a catalyst, catalysts, polymerization processes and polymers formed therefrom are described herein. The method of forming a catalyst generally includes contacting an alkyl magnesium compound with an alcohol to form a magnesium alkoxide compound; contacting the magnesium alkoxide compound with a first titanium alkoxide and a first agent to form a reaction product “A”, wherein the titanium alkoxide and the first agent are nonblended individual components prior to contacting the magnesium alkoxide; and sequentially contacting the reaction product “A” with a second agent, followed by a third agent, and subsequently a first reducing agent to form a catalyst component.

Abstract: A composition is provided for making a polyurethane that may be incorporated in various products, such as a sealant, a coating, a caulk, an electric potting compound, a membrane, a sponge, a foam, an adhesives, and a propellant binder. The composition includes one or more polyols, one or more isocyanate-group containing compounds having an isocyanate group functionality of at least two, and optionally one or more chain extenders. At least one of the polyols is a farnesene-based polyol having a number average molecular weight less than or equal to 100,000 g/mol and a viscosity at 25° C. less than 10,000 cP. The farnesene-based polyol may be a homopolymer or a copolymer of farnesene. The composition may also comprise additional polyols, such as a polyol of a homopolymer or copolymer of a polydiene. Methods of preparing a polyurethane are also provided.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a curable rubber composition is provided which includes a high molecular weight diene elastomer; optionally, a carbon black composition; a silica composition; and a farnesene polymer comprising farnesene monomers. The farnesene polymer is modified with at least one silane group, has a number average molecular weight of 1,000 g/mol to 100,000 g/mol, and has a glass transition temperature of equal to or less than ?50° C. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for producing a rubber composition for use in a tire is provided. The method includes forming a composition by mixing a farnesene polymer modified with at least one silane group, a silica composition, a high molecular weight diene elastomer, and optionally a carbon black composition, the farnesene polymer comprising farnesene monomers; and curing the composition.

Abstract: A low molecular weight co-oligomer containing styrene and ?-methyl styrene in bound form and having a ring and ball softening point not greater than 50° C. is useful in modifying the properties of a diene elastomer-based curable rubber composition capable of being used to manufacture tire treads.

Abstract: Curable compositions are prepared using polyisocyanates, hydrophobic hydroxyl-terminated polymers (such as hydroxyl-terminated polyfarnesenes and hydroxyl-terminated polydienes) and organically-modified nanoclays, optionally in combination with chain extenders and/or urethane catalysts. When cured, the compositions yield polyurethane-based sealants useful in insulating glass units which have improved (lowered) moisture vapor transmission rate values as a consequence of the inclusion of the organically-modified nanoclays.