Abstract: A styrenic block copolymer is disclosed, having a formula, A-B-A, A-B-B-A, (A-B-A)nX, (A-B)nX or mixtures thereof, wherein n is from 2 to 30, and X is residue of a coupling agent. Each A block is independently a polystyrene having 10-63 wt. % 1,1-diphenylethylene, a GPC peak molecular weight from about 5-40 kg/mol, and forms 10-40 wt. % of the copolymer. Each B block is independently a poly(1,3-diene-co-styrene) comprising: (i) >90 wt. % of polymerized isoprene units relative to the weight of the polymerized 1,3-diene, where S is <40, and (S+V) is 18-75; (ii) >90 wt. % of polymerized butadiene units relative to the weight of the polymerized 1,3-diene, where S is <40, and (1.2*S+V) is 60-120; or combinations thereof “S” represents the polystyrene content, and “V” represents the 1,3-diene content having pendant 1,2- and/or 3,4-vinyl groups in the B block.

Abstract: A multi-block polyolefin copolymer (MBPC) is disclosed comprising: i) a combination of a semicrystalline polymer block and an amorphous polymer block, or ii) at least two amorphous polymer blocks, or iii) at least two semicrystalline polymer blocks. The semicrystalline polymer blocks A and C are independently derived from 1,3-butadiene monomer with 80 to 97 wt. % of 1,4 addition, based on weight of the polymerized 1,3-butadiene monomer in each block A and C. The amorphous polymer block B is derived from at least one monomer selected from isoprene monomer, 1,3-butadiene monomer with 21 to 85 wt. % incorporation by 1,2 addition, and mixtures thereof. The MBPC can be used as a compatibilizer for compatibilization of blends of two or more polyolefins different from each other. Such polyolefin blends provide improved mechanical properties and processability for producing various articles.

Abstract: A hydrogenated block copolymer is disclosed comprising a polymer block A and a polymer block B. Prior to hydrogenation, the polymer block A has a first vinyl aromatic compound, and the polymer block B contains monomers a) a styrene compound having a radical reactive group and b) at least one conjugated diene, and optionally (c) a second vinyl aromatic compound that is same or different from the first vinyl aromatic compound. The repeat units of monomer a) forms 10-80 wt. % of the total block copolymer, and 10-70 wt. % of the total weight of block B. After hydrogenation, the polymerized units derived from the monomer b) has a RU of 0-1.5 meq per gram of the hydrogenated block copolymer. The hydrogenated block copolymer exhibits reactivity and higher flow properties before curing, after curing, shows excellent mechanical properties, improved flame resistance, and good solvent resistance.

Abstract: A hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer (HSBC) is disclosed comprising, prior to hydrogenation, a polymer block A of at least one vinyl aromatic monomer, a polymer block B of at least one conjugated diene, and a copolymer block C of at least one vinyl aromatic monomer and 1,3-butadiene monomer. The HSBC has a total vinyl aromatic content of 15 to 60 wt. % and an aromatic blockiness index of 20 to 80%. The viscoelastic properties of HSBC show a value of a tan ? peak height of 0.7 to 2, a tan ? peak temperature of ?40 to 25° C., and a temperature width value (in ° C.) at half the tan ? peak height of 17 to 40. The HSBC provides improved mechanical properties and can be used in preparation of adhesives and protective films applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are copolymers formed by cationic polymerization of one or more cyclic dienes and a comonomer selected from the group consisting of a monoterpene, a branched styrene, and combinations thereof, in the presence of a catalyst. Random copolymers having repeat units derived from a cyclic conjugated diene, such as 1,3-cyclohexadiene, and a comonomer such as a monoterpene, can be prepared as soluble products in hydrocarbon solvents. The copolymers can be crosslinked with various crosslinking agents to form materials having good oxidative stability and fire retardancy. The uncrosslinked and crosslinked copolymers have useful properties such as a low dissipation factor, low dielectric constants, and a good balance of thermomechanical and electrical properties that make them valuable in electronic applications.

Abstract: A cleaning composition is disclosed comprising a method of cleaning a substrate to remove a residue from the substrate by using a cleaning composition comprising (a) a decarboxylated rosin acid (DCR), and (b) optionally a diluent. The residue is selected from soil, dirt, sand, food, oil, grease, paint, ink, glue, adhesive, sealant, wax, tar, graffiti, asphalt, buffing compounds, cutting fluids, and mixtures thereof. At least 0.3 wt.% of the residue is removed from the substrate per cleaning cycle, based on total weight of the residue present on the substrate. The cleaning composition is stable and is effective in removing the residue from hard or soft substrates.

Abstract: An erasable laminate for marking is disclosed. The laminate comprises a substrate with a marking surface, allowing a user to provide markings on the marking surface using the marking material. The marking surface comprises an outer layer containing a sulfonated block copolymer having an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of >0.5 meq/g. At least 50% of the markings can be erased from the marking surface with a wipe moist with a cleaning fluid (e.g., water, isopropyl alcohol, etc.) after wiping for less than 5 min. The laminate with erasable and reusable marking surface can be used for obtaining writing instruments, e.g., notebooks, artist easels, sketches, etc.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing a residue from a surface. The method includes steps of applying a cleaning medium to the surface containing the residue. The cleaning medium comprises up to 100 wt. % of at least a solvent. Allowing the cleaning medium to be in contact with the residue for at least 5 seconds to swell/dissolve the residue for removing the residue from the surface. At least 50 wt. % of the residue and the cleaning medium are removed from the surface by wiping the surface with a shear force. The residue contains a sulfonated polymer having an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of greater than 0.5 meq/g. The sulfonated polymer can kill >90% of microbes coming in contact with the sulfonated polymer in less than 30 min.

Abstract: An antimicrobial wipe is disclosed comprising a substrate and an antimicrobial composition. The antimicrobial composition contains a sulfonated block copolymer having an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of >0.5 meq/g, and (ii) a solvent system. The solvent system contains a mixture of two or more solvents selected from the group consisting of organic solvents, inorganic solvents, terpene-based compounds, and decarboxylated rosin acids. The antimicrobial wipe is in the form of a fabric, a sponge, a toilette, and the like. The sulfonated block copolymer is partially or fully dissolved in the solvent system, such that when the wipe is in contact with a target surface, the sulfonated block copolymer is imparted from the wipe onto the surface forming a coating layer. The coating layer causes a reduction in a microbe concentration by at least 1 log10 CFU (colony forming units) within 120 minutes upon contact.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed comprising a sulfonated styrenic block copolymer (SSBC) having an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of at least 0.5 meq/g; and at least one compound which reacts with the SSBC forming a cross-linked SSBC. The compound is selected from: (i) a cross-linking agent, (ii) a metal cation, and (iii) a non-sulfonated polymer. A film prepared from the composition containing the cross-linked SSBC has a toughness in wet state measured after 1 week of 1.2 to 8 MJ/m3; and a tensile stress in wet state measured after 1 week of 3.2 to 8 MPa, according to ASTM D412. The film can be used as a water 10 purification membrane or an antimicrobial protection layer.

Abstract: A method for forming an antimicrobial coating on a substrate is provided. The method comprises dissipating and entrapping (embedding) sulfonated copolymer particles in void spaces or interstices of fibers of a fabric forming an outer layer of a substrate. The sulfonated copolymer is selected from the group of perfluorosulfonic acid polymers such as sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene sulfonates, sulfonated block copolymers, polysulfones such as polyether sulfone, polyketones such as polyether ketone, sulfonated poly(arylene ether), and mixtures thereof. The fibers comprise a thermoplastic polymer having a melting point of less than 120° C., or 45-110° C., or 45-80° C. The sulfonated copolymer forms an antimicrobial coating layer for killing at least 90% microbes in the air within 30 minutes of contact with the coating.

Abstract: A gel composition is herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, the composition comprises a (i) a styrenic block copolymer, (ii) an oil; and (iii) optional additives; wherein the styrenic block copolymer has a structure ABi or iAB, wherein A is a monoalkenyl arene block, B is a conjugated diene block, and i is an isoprene attachment. The isoprene attachment i is substantially unsaturated and the conjugated diene block B is substantially saturated. The gel composition before curing exhibits thixotropic behavior, with a viscosity ranging from about 5000 mPa·s to about 30000 mPa·s. at 25° C. and a shear rate of 20 s?1.

Abstract: A tire composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a rubber component and based on 100 parts by weight (phr) of the rubber component, 50-200 phr of covered silica, with the covered silica comprising silica core and a first resin covering the silica core, wherein the first resin is not chemically bonded to the silica core. The silica core is covered with the first resin by mixing a slurry comprising silica core with a mixture containing the first resin as a solution, an aqueous dispersion; or a solution by dissolving the first resin in a solvent.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to tire tread compositions and methods for making. The compositions include a rubber, a rosin ester resin and at least one filler. The rosin ester resin is characterized as having a PAN number of less than 25, an acid number less than 20, a hydroxyl number of less than 30, a combined acid number and hydroxyl value of less than 50. The tire tread composition has a wet grip resistance to rolling resistance indicator ratio ((tan ? at 0° C.)/tan ? at 60° C.) higher than a tire tread composition containing a comparable amount of a rosin ester having a combined acid number and hydroxyl value of more than 50.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions which include an ethylene polymer derived from at least one polar monomer with one or more ester groups, and a rosin ester. The rosin ester can have a low hydroxyl number (e.g., a hydroxyl number seven or less), a low acid number (e.g., an acid number of ten or less), a relatively low PAN number (e.g., a PAN number less than twenty-five), a relatively high third moment or third power average molecular weight (Mz), (e.g., an Mz value in between 2500 and 12000 g/mol), a low sulfur content (e.g., a sulfur content lower than 600 ppm prior to antioxidant addition) or combinations thereof. The compositions can exhibit a high heat stress resistance (e.g., a heat stress pass temperature value higher than 52° C. or in between 48° C. and 60° C.) and/or improved viscosity stability and/or color stability upon thermal aging and/or improved compatibility.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a styrenic block copolymer [A1-B1-C1], consisting essentially of polymer blocks A1, B1 and C1. A1 is a poly(para-alkylstyrene) block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 60,000 g/mol. B1 is a hydrogenated polyisoprene block or a hydrogenated polybutadiene block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol. C1 is a polystyrene block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol; or a polymer block consisting essentially of polymerized styrene units, and hydrogenated butadiene and/or isoprene units, and having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol. Prior to hydrogenation, the block B1 has a vinyl content of 5-75 mol %; and the block C1 forms 1-80 wt % of the overall weight of the block copolymer. The selectively sulfonated forms of the copolymers are useful as high dielectric materials.

Abstract: A foamed article formed by foam injection molding or foam extrusion of a composition is disclosed. The article is formed from a molding composition consisting essentially of: 100 phr of at least two different hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers (HSBC), a first HSBC and a second HSBC, having different molecular weights, a molecular weight ratio of at least 1.2:1, respectively; and a weight ratio of ranging from 5:95 to 95:5, respectively; 10-55 phr of a polypropylene having a melt flow of at least 2 g10/min; and optionally up to 55 phr of a plasticizer, selected from hydrocarbon based oils, fatty acids, triglyceride oils, and mixtures thereof. The composition has a melt flow rate of 2-50 g/10 min, a Shore A hardness of 60-90, a melt strength (F) of at least 0.010 N, and a melt strength (V) of at least 10.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are linear block copolymers of formula A-B-A? or A-B*B-A?, wherein blocks A and A? are polystyrene blocks, block B is a poly(conjugated diene) block and * is a coupling agent having a vinyl content of from 10-60 mol %. The block copolymers have a polystyrene content of from 20-35 wt. %, relative to the overall weight of the block copolymer, and a molecular weight of from 200,000-300,000 g/mol. The block copolymers can be used with a wide variety of asphalt grades, and are valuable for producing homogeneous polymer modified asphalt compositions having an effective combination of performance properties, such as acceptable viscosity, good elastic response to an applied stress, and a low non-recoverable creep compliance. The combination of vinyl content and polymerization technology allows a high solution concentration during polymerization without excessive processing viscosity.

Abstract: A process for a continuous condensation reaction with feedstocks derived from bio-renewable resources, e.g., pine chemical derived feedstock, is disclosed. The process employs at least a multi-stage mixing reactor, selected from any of a multi-stage continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), a multi-stage horizontal continuous stirred tank reactor (HCSTR), or a continuous oscillating baffle reactor (COBR). The multi-stage mixing reactors are provided with a plurality of baffles for creating a mixing in a number of stages or cells created by the baffles, allowing the condensation reaction to proceed at a production rate at least twice that of a batch process with reactors of equivalent volume. The feedstocks derived from bio-renewable resources is selected from gum rosin, wood rosin, tall oil rosin and mixtures thereof; and polymeric fatty acids derived from bio-renewable resources such as tall oil.

Abstract: Compositions comprising (i) a hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer, (ii) an oil, and (iii) optional additives are described herein. Compositions include but are not limited to cable fillings. The styrenic block copolymer having peak molecular weight of from about 125 to about 300 kg/mol, an oil and optional additives are described herein. The block copolymer includes a B block having vinyl content of from about 35% to about 49% and an S block having a polystyrene content of from about 28% to about 40%. The compositions may form a gel having a thixotropic ratio at 25° C. of from about 5 to about 10 and further characterized by specific low, middle and high shear rate viscosities at 25° C. and shear rates of 6 s?1, 50 s?1 and 200 s?1 of from 10,000 cps to 750,000 cps, 1,000 cps to 100,000 cps and 1,000 cps to 6,000 cps, respectively; a drop point from 100° C. to 250° C.; and a cone penetration at 25° C. of from 300 dmm to 685 dmm.