Abstract: Provided herein is a dispersion composition comprising a blend of a semi-crystalline, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer and a low polarity fluid for oilfield applications. The block copolymer comprises blocks of semi-crystalline hydrogenated polybutadiene, blocks of poly(mono alkenyl arenes), and blocks of hydrogenated, non-crystalline conjugated dienes. The dispersions can be converted to thixotropic fluids or cohesive gels and find application as insulating packer fluids, fluid loss pills, drilling fluids and completion fluids.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing a branched conjugated diene polymer with a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of at least 1.1, by anionic polymerization, comprising the following reaction steps: a) polymerizing a mixture of monomers comprising at least one conjugated diene and optionally one or more monoalkenyl arene compounds in the presence of an anionic initiator to form a living polymer; b) terminating the polymerization; and c) optionally functionalizing and/or hydrogenating the polymer so produced, wherein the mixture of monomers comprises an alpha,omega-bis(vinylphenyl)alkane as comonomer. The invention further relates to the polymer so obtained, a latex prepared therefrom, the latex, and articles made from the latex.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing a coupled polymer by anionic polymerization wherein the coupled polymer is a conjugated diene polymer comprising the following reaction steps: a) polymerizing a monomer or a mixture of monomers comprising at least one conjugated diene optionally one or more monoalkenyl arene compounds in the presence of an anionic initiator to form a living polymer arm or mixture of arms with an average apparent molecular weight greater than 2000; b) reacting the living polymer arm or arms with a polyalkenyl coupling agent; c) terminating the polymerization if any living polymers remain after step b); and d) optionally functionalizing and/or hydrogenating the coupled polymer so produced, wherein the polyalkenyl coupling agent is an alpha,omega-bis(vinylphenyl)alkane. Also provided is the polymer so prepared and its use in concentrates, aqueous emulsions and products made from aqueous emulsions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a process for preparing a cured transparent rubber composition containing a synthetic isoprene polymer(s), a transparent polymer(s), a curing agent and additives. The process includes mixing the components at a temperature ranging from 50 to 130° C., curing the compound with peroxide and allowing the compound to mature. The maturated compound is fed to an injection moulding machine. The cured transparent rubber composition prepared using the methods described herein has a haze of less than 30% and a total light transmission of more than 80%. The disclosure further provides an article including the cured transparent rubber composition, in particular for medical applications and artificial nipples.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a solid curable transparent rubber composition containing a styrenic block copolymer having 2 or more poly(vinyl aromatic) blocks, a curing agent and additives. Once cured, the solid curable transparent rubber composition has a haze of less than 30% and a total light transmission of more than 80%. The disclosure further relates to a cured transparent rubber composition made thereof, and a manufacturing process for the cured composition. The present disclosure also relates to an article including the rubber composition, in particular for tubes, medical stoppers, catheters, dental dams and other medical applications and artificial nipples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for forming an article from a diene rubber, comprising: providing a raw diene rubber substance comprising 1,2-polybutadiene rubber component; adding to the raw diene rubber substance a peroxide as a vulcanizing agent; softening the raw diene rubber at a first temperature of not more than 200° C.; vulcanizing the diene rubber at a second temperature of not more than 200° C., with contacting the diene rubber to an ambient atmosphere; and forming from the vulcanized diene rubber an article.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a curable transparent rubber composition containing one or more synthetic isoprene polymers, a styrenic block copolymer, a curing agent, and additives that do not influence transparency of the final composition. Once cured, the curable transparent rubber composition has a haze of less than 30% and a total light transmission of more than 80%. The disclosure further relates to a cured transparent rubber composition made thereof, and a manufacturing process for the cured composition. The present disclosure also relates to an article including the rubber composition, in particular for tubes, medical stoppers, catheters, dental dams and other medical applications and artificial nipples.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a solid curable transparent rubber composition containing one or more synthetic isoprene polymer, one or more transparent polymer, one or more curing agent, additives that do not influence transparency and one or more polyalkenamers. The solid curable transparent rubber composition, once cured, has a haze of less than 30% and a total light transmission of more than 80%. The disclosure further provides a cured transparent rubber composition made thereof, and a manufacturing process for the cured composition. The present disclosure also provides an article including the rubber composition, in particular shoes with transparent soles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel block copolymer comprising at least one polymeric monoalkenyl arene block and at least one polymeric myrcene block having a low and stable viscosity and having good adhesive properties when used in an adhesive composition or as a damping material. An adhesive composition is also described, preferably containing an SMS triblock optionally mixed with an SM diblock. The adhesive composition comprises: 1) a block copolymer having at least one polymeric monoalkenyl arene block and at least one polymeric myrcene block; 2) a tackifier; 3) optional plasticizer; and 4) optionally a stabilizer. Compared with adhesive compositions comprising SIS block copolymers, those comprising SMS block copolymers have lower and more stable viscosity.

Abstract: A method for the curing of aqueous latexes comprising block copolymers is disclosed. The block copolymers have the general formula A-B-A or A-B-Y-(B-A)n. The curing is conducted using vulcanization systems that are free of guanidine and thiuram compounds. The cured latexes are useful in the manufacture of elastic films, surgical, examination and electrical insulation gloves, industrial gloves and condoms.

Abstract: A core unit for an energy recovery system for exchanging heat and vapor between two independent intake and exhaust airstreams without intermixing thereof, the core unit having a fibrous microporous support substrate and a sulfonated block copolymer having at least one end block A and at least one interior block B wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups and each B block is a polymer block containing from about 10 to about 100 mol percent sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups based on the number of monomer units, and wherein the sulfonated block copolymer is laminated on the microporous support substrate.

Abstract: In order to provide a rubber composition having high transparency and toughness, the present invention can provide a crosslinked rubber composition, being substantially free of silica, comprising a first olefin polymer having refractive index of between 1.500 to 1.525 at 23 degree C.; and a second olefin polymer which is different from the first olefin polymer, wherein the composition has haze of 20% or less on 2 mm thick sheet, measured according to JIS K7136, and wherein the composition has Type A Durometer hardness (0 sec) of 35 or more, measured according to JIS K6253.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to films such as membranes and coatings and to coated articles. The films comprise a combination of at least one elastomeric styrenic block copolymer which is optionally functionalized with functional groups different from sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups, and at least one sulfonated block copolymer. Films comprising the optionally functionalized block copolymer(s) and the additional sulfonated block copolymer(s) are elastic and are moisture-vapor permeable, and thus useful as coatings in breathable clothing and footwear, industrial workwear including cleanroom coveralls, in medical applications such as wound dressings and protective clothing, for bed sheets and mattress or seat covers, and other non-apparel applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a selectively hydrogenated isoprene-styrene diblock copolymer having a polystyrene content of at least 40 wt. %, which when added to an oil-based mud composition, substantially reduces fluid loss. The polystyrene in the diblock has a true molecular weight greater than 60 kg/mole and the total apparent molecular weight of the diblock copolymer is at least 160 kg/mole. The drilling mud that contains about 0.5 pounds per barrel to about 10 pounds per barrel of a selectively hydrogenated isoprene-styrene diblock copolymer and a weighting agent, resulting in a drilling fluid composition exhibiting good suspension of the weighting agent and improved fluid loss performance.

Abstract: Sulfonated block copolymer composition formed by dissolving in an aprotic polar solvent at least one sulfonated block copolymer having at least one end block A and at least one interior block B wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups and each B block is a polymer block containing from about 10 to about 100 mol % sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups based on the number of sulfonation susceptible monomer units of the B block.

Abstract: A functionalized block copolymer polymerized using vinylbenzylamino derivative monomers for use in such applications as anionic exchange membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to unique applications for the novel high melt flow, low viscosity, selectively hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene (hSBS) or selectively hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene-butadiene/styrene-styrene (hSBSS) block copolymers, wherein the melt flow rate of said block copolymer is at least 100 g/10 min at 230° C. under 2.16 kg mass according to ASTM D1238. These block copolymers are novel and have the highest melt flow rate of any styrenic block copolymer also possessing high strength and elasticity. It has applications that prior to the present invention were not normally possible due to the normal low melt flow rate of styrenic block copolymers. The present invention also encompasses various fields of use such as a fiberglass hSBS or hSBSS reinforced mat, low viscosity hSBS or hSBSS coatings for industrial uses, hot melt adhesives prepared from hSBS or hSBSS blended with polyalpha-olefins, and elastic film, fiber, and nonwoven constructions using hSBS or hSBSS.

Abstract: Articles with enhanced tensile strength and comfort are prepared from a latex comprising water and a styrenic block copolymer, wherein the styrenic block copolymer has 2 or more poly(vinyl aromatic) blocks and at least one block of polymerized conjugated diene, wherein the styrenic block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 150,000 to 250,000, the poly(vinyl aromatic) blocks have a weight average molecular weight ranging from 9,000 to 15,000, and the content of poly(vinylaromatic) blocks in the styrenic block copolymer ranges from 8 to 15% wt, based on the total styrenic block copolymer, by a process which comprises coating a surface with the latex to obtain a film, wherein the latex comprises a vulcanizing agent. The invention also provides a latex comprising such a styrenic block copolymer and a vulcanizing agent, as well as a styrenic block copolymer that is particularly suitable for use in such a latex.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curable sealant composition broadly comprising a resealable, swellable, reactive sealant and free radical initiator; said resealable, swellable reactive sealant comprises monofunctional monomer(s), multifunctional monomer(s), reactive polymer such as unsaturated styrenic block copolymer, swellable additive, and optional components. The monofunctional monomer is a vinyl ester derivative of versatic acid with C9-C12 carbon atoms, or monoacrylate, monomethacrylate, monoacrylamide, or monomethacrylamide. The multifunctional monomer are di-, tri-, tetra-, and/or penta-functional monomers with vinyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, or methacrylamide functionality, such as tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, 1,3-butylene glycol dimethacrylate or a mixture thereof. The reactive unsaturated polymer is a styrenic block copolymer such as SBS, SIS, S-I/B-S, I-SEBS-I, and mixtures of two or more of these.

Abstract: This invention relates to an accelerator system comprising a sulphur donor, a carbamate or combination of carbamates as the only accelerator and optionally sulphur and optionally an activator, characterized in that the carbamate is a zinc dihydrocarbyldithiocarbamate, or a combination of zinc dihydrocarbyldithiocarbamates; a composition comprising a synthetic isoprene polymer latex and the accelerator system, and dipped goods made therefrom.