Abstract: A novel process for preparation of block copolymers containing, for example, alpha-methyl-styrene/styrene glassy blocks is claimed, where the glassy blocks contain 25-50 mol % alpha-methyl-styrene and have Tg values in the range of 120 to 140° C. The copolymerization process, which is conducted at 35 to 60° C. and relatively high solids contents and with continuous addition of styrene, results in very high conversions of the alpha-methyl-styrene. Selectively hydrogenated block copolymers having high glassy block Tg values are also disclosed and claimed as well as high service temperature elastomeric compositions comprising the block copolymer and an olefin polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a polymer modified bituminous binder composition in the substantial absence of crosslinking agents by heating a bitumen component in a stirred tank to a temperature from 160° C. to 221° C.; adding a block copolymer composition to the bitumen component while the bitumen component is being stirred to form a homogeneous mixture of the bitumen component and the block copolymer composition; and continuing to stir the homogeneous mixture while maintaining the temperature from 180° C. to 221° C. for a total period of time from 4 hours to 30 hours thereby forming a cured polymer modified bituminous binder composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric hydrogenated block copolymer capable of being directly extruded or molded with a minimum of additives and having both high elasticity and low permanent set. The hydrogenated block copolymers have high melt flows allowing for ease in processing the hydrogenation block copolymers in melt processes such as extrusion and molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bituminous composition comprising a bituminous component, an elastomeric polymer component, and a specific cross-linking composition component comprising elemental sulfur, a sulfur-containing derivative, a sulfur activator, a fatty acid or fatty acid derivative and a polymeric carrier. Compositions according to the invention are particularly useful in preparing polymer-modified asphalt (“PMA”) for road applications.

Abstract: The present invention is a, solid block copolymer comprising at least two polymer end blocks A and at least one polymer interior block B wherein each A block is a polymer block resistant to lithiation and each B block is a polymer block susceptible to lithiation, and wherein said A and B blocks do not contain any significant levels of olefinic unsaturation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solvent sprayable contact adhesive composition comprising (i) one or more styrenic block copolymer compositions, (ii) a tackifying resin, (iii) a solvent and (iv) optionally one or more plasticizers, wherein said styrenic block copolymer composition comprises: a. a tetra-branched block copolymer (IV) represented by the general formula (A-B)4X; b. a tri-branched block copolymer (III) represented by the general formula (A-B)3X; c. a di-branched block copolymer (II) represented by the general formula (A-B)2X; and d. a linear diblock copolymer (I) represented by the general formula A-B; where: i. A represents a polymer block of a mono alkenyl arene; ii. B represents a polymer block of a mixture of isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in a weight ratio of isoprene to butadiene between about 70:30 and 30:70; iii. X represents the residue of a multi-functional coupling agent; iv. the weight percent of A blocks is between about 15% and about 35%; v.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solvent sprayable contact adhesive composition comprising (i) one or more styrenic block copolymer compositions, (ii) a tackifying resin, (iii) a solvent and (iv) optionally one or more plasticizers, wherein said styrenic block copolymer composition comprises a selectively hydrogenated and functionalized controlled distribution block copolymer having monoalkenyl arene end blocks and hydrogenated controlled distribution mid blocks containing certain mixtures of monoalkenyl arene and conjugated diene.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anionic diinitiator prepared using a diisopropenyl benzene compound and an organo lithium compound having primary polymerization sites. The anionic diinitiators are prepared by admixing a diisopropenyl benzene compound with diethyl ether, ethylene, an organo lithium compound, and a solvent under reaction conditions sufficient to prepare a diinitiator having primary lithium alkyl reactive sites. The diinitiators are particularly useful in preparing block copolymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adhesive comprising an admixture of a high vinyl selectively hydrogenated block copolymer and an amorphous polyolefin. The high vinyl content of the block copolymer results in a more compatible admixture which in turn results in an adhesive that can be more easily processed than those prepared using conventional lower vinyl content block copolymers. The adhesives of the present invention can be prepared using less or even no compatibilizing additives which allows the adhesives to be used in end uses where such additives are undesirable.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel block copolymer containing a controlled distribution copolymer block of a conjugated diene and a mono alkenyl arene, where the controlled distribution copolymer block has terminal regions that are rich in conjugated diene units and a center region that is rich in mono alkenyl arene units. Also disclosed is a method for manufacture of the block copolymer.

Abstract: A novel process for preparation of block copolymers containing, for example, alpha-methyl-styrene/styrene glassy blocks is claimed, where the glassy blocks contain 25-50 mol % alpha-methyl-styrene and have Tg values in the range of 120 to 140° C. The copolymerization process, which is conducted at 35 to 60° C. and relatively high solids contents and with continuous addition of styrene, results in very high conversions of the alpha-methyl-styrene. Selectively hydrogenated block copolymers having high glassy block Tg values are also disclosed and claimed as well as high service temperature elastomeric compositions comprising the block copolymer and an olefin polymer of copolymer.

Abstract: Hot-melt adhesive compositions used in non-woven assemblies, comprising: (a) 100 parts by weight of a block copolymer of the formula S-(I/B)-S, wherein S represents a predominantly poly(styrene) block and (I/B) represents a polymer block obtained by at random copolymerization of a mixture of predominantly isoprene and butadiene in a weight ratio in the range of from 70:30 to 30:70, wherein the total block copolymer has a melt flow index measured at 200° C./5 kg in the range of from 0.1 to 12 g/10 min. and has a poly(styrene) content of from 28 to 50 wt % and a coupling efficiency of from 50 to 100%, (b) from 250 to 300 parts by weight of a tackifying resin, (c) from 50 to 150 parts by weight of a plasticizer, and (d) from 0 to 3 parts by weight of auxiliaries, such as stabilizers and/or antioxidants, and disposable articles, comprising at least a non-woven element and assembled by the use of said hot-melt adhesive compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for partially and selectively hydrogenating a polymer made of at least a conjugated diene monomer having a vinyl content of from 20 to 65%, comprising a hydrogenation step on a solution of the polymer, characterized in that the hydrogenation step is performed in the presence of an iron-containing catalyst whereby a hydrogenated polymer is obtained wherein the vinyl content is reduced to 5% or less, whereas the content of 1,4-double bonds is maintained at a level of at least 30%.

Abstract: A polymeric composition which includes a styrene polymer, at least one unsaturated block copolymer having a high monoalkenyl arene content, a modulus less than 100,000 psi, and comprising at least one A block and at least one B block, each A block independently selected from mono alkenyl arene polymer blocks and each B block independently selected from polymer blocks having at least one conjugated diene and at least one mono alkenyl arene and having a controlled distribution. A second polymeric composition which includes a styrene polymer, at least one unsaturated block copolymer as defined hereinbefore; and at least one additional unsaturated block copolymer having a moderate monoalkenyl arene content. The polymeric composition can be used to produce films that have improved impact resistance that can be thermoformed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pressure sensitive adhesive compositions prepared from novel anionic block copolymers of aromatic vinyl compounds and conjugated dienes. The block copolymers are a mixture of a high molecular weight linear and/or radial block copolymer component (SBC1 and/or SBC2), and a diblock copolymer component (D1). The block copolymer may be combined with other block copolymers, tackifying resins, oils and other components to form the adhesives of the present invention. The pressure sensitive adhesives of the present invention maintain their performance at elevated temperatures and fail cohesively making them particularly useful for die-cuttable label applications. The pressure sensitive adhesives compositions may also comprise ester plasticizers typically used for PVC and thus make adhesives particularly suitable for PVC film labels and decals.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anionic diinitiator prepared using a diisopropenyl benzene compound and an organo lithium compound having primary polymerization sites. The anionic diinitiators are prepared by admixing a diisopropenyl benzene compound with diethyl ether, ethylene, an organo lithium compound, and a solvent under reaction conditions sufficient to prepare a diinitiator having primary lithium alkyl reactive sites. The diinitiators are particularly useful in preparing block copolymers.

Abstract: Less expensive adhesive compositions having good adhesive properties can be achieved by combining an S—I—S or (SI)nX block copolymers with an S-(I/B) diblock copolymer and a single tackifying resin. Furthermore, less expensive adhesive compositions can be achieved by combining S-I diblock copolymers with S—(I/B)—S or [S(I/B)]nX block copolymers and a single tackifying resin. These combinations result in lower costs of starting materials and manufacturing due to simpler processing.

Abstract: A bituminous composition which comprises a bituminous component and a block copolymer which comprises at least two blocks of a conjugated diene and at least two blocks of a monovinylaromatic hydrocarbon, being of the general formula: S1—B1—S2—B2 wherein B1 is a block of polymerized conjugated diene comprising at least 50 mole % isoprene having an apparent molecular weight of from 180,000 to 400,000, S1 and S2 are blocks of polymerized monovinylaromatic hydrocarbon having a weight average molecular weight of 12,000 to 40,000, and B2 is a block of polymerized conjugated diene comprising at least 50 mole % isoprene having an apparent molecular weight of from 15,000 to 60,000; wherein the weight ratio W of B1 over B2 is in the range of 3.0 to 12.0; and wherein the content of polymerized monovinylaromatic hydrocarbon is in the range from 10 to 35 wt. %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles prepared from novel anionic block copolymers of mono alkenyl arenes and conjugated dienes, and to blends of such block copolymers with other polymers. The block copolymers are selectively hydrogenated and have mono alkenyl arene end blocks and controlled distribution blocks of mono alkenyl arenes and conjugated dienes. The block copolymer may be blended with at least one other polymer selected from the group consisting of olefin polymers, styrene polymers, amorphous resins and engineering thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: A composition to be used for the manufacture of fibers, filaments, melt blown or spun bond non-wovens or cast or blown films, comprising at least 50 wt % of a styrenic block copolymer; a polyolefin in an amount of from 10 to 30 wt %; a resin which is compatible with the poly(styrene) blocks in the styrenic block copolymer in an amount of at least 5 wt %, and a resin which is compatible with the hydrogenated polybutadiene blocks in the styrenic block copolymer an amount of at least 3 wt %, wherein all weight percentages are relative to the weight of the complete composition; styrenic block copolymers to be used therein; and fibers, melt blown or spun bond non-wovens or cast or blown films prepared from it.