Abstract: A process is provided for the production of an improved impact polystyrene by the use of a polybutadiene which contains an optical brightener as the rubber to be dissolved in the styrene monomer, following which the polybutadiene-styrene solution is polymerized.

Abstract: A process is provided for the skeletal isomerization of straight chain olefins to branched chain olefins by contact at an elevated temperature with a chlorine- or fluorine-containing compound activated alumina catalyst, the alumina having an average particle size of from about 0.5.times.10.sup.-3 cm to about 160.times.10.sup.-3 cm and from 3 to 9% of the pore volume being attributable to pores having radii from about 100 to about 10,000 Angstroms.

Abstract: A process is provided for the skeletal isomerization of straight chain olefins to branched chain olefins wherein the olefin is contacted with an activated alumina catalyst which has a particle size of from about 0.5.times.10.sup.-3 cm to about 160.times.10.sup.-3 cm and at least 10% of the pore volume is attributable to pores having radii between about 100 and 10,000 Angstroms.

Abstract: Improved Portland cement compositions are provided by the use of a combination of additives which increase plasticity and allow the use of less water. When the mixture is cured or set, the resultant concrete has higher compressive strength, higher flexural and shear strength, is believed to be markedly less susceptible to penetration by moisture or corrosive liquids, and have greater freeze-thaw stability. Such concrete is highly advantageous in thin paving sections such as bridge deck overlays, overpasses, elevated freeways and the like. The preferred additives are a latex of a styrene-butadiene containing polymer and a dispersing agent such as a polymerized naphthalene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of vulcanizates having improved properties wherein polymer (or polymers) is mixed with carbon black in two separate steps such that in one step a major proportion of the carbon black to be used is mixed with polymer and in a second step a zero to minor proportion of the carbon black to be used is mixed with polymer. Such improved vulcanizates may be used, for example, in tires or a variety of mechanical goods.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a mixture of butadiene-acrylonitrile polymer and zinc peroxide which comprises (i) reacting an agitated aqueous mixture of French Process zinc oxide, sulphuric acid and hydrogen peroxide to form an aqueous slurry of a mixture of zinc peroxide and zinc oxide, and (ii) mixing with said slurry a latex of a butadiene-acrylonitrile polymer, followed by coagulating the mixture and recovering and drying the product.

Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising a mixture of water based polymer in latex form and a material generally referred to as a thickening agent is disclosed for removably adhering a product to a substrate, for example a carpet with an attached backing to a flooring substrate. The adhesive may be applied as a layer to the carpet backing, dried and subsequently activated with water to adhere the carpet to the floor. After drying, the adhesive layer may be reactivated with water to permit the carpet to be removed from the floor. The adhesive layer when dried on the surface of a latex foam backed carpet provides a non-tacky surface which additionally increases the abrasion resistance of the latex foam backing thereby reducing damage to the backing during normal storage and handling.

Abstract: Improved compositions, and liners and membranes produced therefrom, are provided which comprise a mixture of chlorosulphonated polyethylene and carboxylated butadiene-acrylonitrile polymer. Such compositions have use as improved liners and membranes for reservoirs and pits or ponds.

Abstract: A latex containing a wax additive, useful for example in cement mortar compositions for application in thin layers such as on bridge deck overlays, overpasses, ramps, elevated sections of freeways and other locations where high resistance to penetration by water or corrosive liquids is desired, may be provided by first dissolving the wax in one of the monomers to be emulsion polymerized to form said latex.

Abstract: A process, and the product of the process, is provided for the production of improved rubbery vulcanizates which contain both of silica or calcium silicate and carbon black as the fillers and two polymers one of which contains hydroxy or epoxy groups. Such vulcanizates may be used in tires, general purpose goods such as belting, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for continuous distribution of a latex or urethane foam composition on a movable substrate to produce a foamed sheet material such as a foam backed carpet. The distribution apparatus comprises a generally cylindrically shaped rotatable member and at least two attached distribution means which may take the form of either modified doctor rolls or modified doctor blades. The distribution surface of each of these distribution means may differ and may be either smooth or patterned with a variety of grooves or serrations thereby providing means for producing foamed sheet materials with surfaces which are either planar or patterned with ridges and valleys. Means are also provided to readily change the thickness of the distributed foam and for oscillating the distribution apparatus to produce a surface with wavy as opposed to linear patterns of ridges and valleys. All of these operations may be accomplished without interrupting the continuous process.

Abstract: A process is provided for the coagulation of rubber polymers from aqueous emulsions thereof wherein the coagulation is undertaken in the presence of an additive selected from a polysaccharide material and from a vegetable derived proteinaceous material. The polymers so coagulated are readily dried and may be used for the manufacture of products well known for the specific polymers.

Abstract: There is provided a process and apparatus for the coagulation of an aqueous latex of a polymer wherein the latex and an aqueous coagulant are mixed in a tubular coagulation means which is disposed at an angle of from about 20.degree. up to 90.degree. to the horizontal plane and the coagulated mixture is passed from the tubular coagulation means to a conduit equipped with an impingement plate and then to means for separation, recovery and drying of the coagulated polymer.

Abstract: There is provided a process and apparatus for the coagulation of an aqueous latex of a polymer wherein the latex and an aqueous coagulant are mixed in a tubular coagulation means and the essentially completely coagulated mixture therefrom is passed into one or two vessels containing aqueous coagulant followed by separation, recovery and drying of the coagulated polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the preparation of a dilute solution of a sample of a fluid comprising a valve means communicating with a dilution means, a line to the dilution means to supply diluent thereto from a reservoir, a line in communication with the valve means to remove diluted sample from the dilution means through the valve means, a line in communication with the dilution means having a valve for connection to a supply of compressed gas thereto or for connection to atmospheric pressure flow control means to control flow of diluent from the reservoir to the dilution means, and control means for controlling operation of the valve means, the valve and the flow control means. The apparatus is useful for obtaining dilute solutions of polymer cements for subsequent composition or property determination.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions are provided which comprise, as the polymeric materials, poly(epsilon caprolactone), a predominantly cis-1,4 polydiolefin and optionally an ionomer and, as filler, silica or calcium silicate. The compositions are useful in orthopaedic applications.

Abstract: A process for the production of improved vulcanizates is described wherein a carboxylated butadiene-acrylonitrile polymer is compounded with an epoxidized hydrocarbyl compound which on vulcanization yields a vulcanizate having generally improved strength properties and reduced compression set. Such vulcanizates can advantageously be used as O-rings, gaskets and the like.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of particulate rubber wherein a synthetic rubber in latex form is coagulated to yield small particles and the particles are then coated with a rubbery-resinous or resinous polymer, the mixing conditions for each of the coagulation and coating being within certain limits of Reynolds Number and residence time. Such particulate rubber may be used for the manufacture of articles such as tire components or hoses and gaskets.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of operating the apparatus are provided for obtaining a sample of polymer cement and for determining the polymer content of the cement and a molecular weight of the polymer. The apparatus comprises a valve means in combination with a dilution means whereby dilute polymer solution is supplied to a solution viscometer means and to a gel permeation chromatographic means. Operation of the apparatus is controlled by a micro computer. The apparatus and method are useful for determining the polymer content and polymer molecular weight of, for example, polybutadiene formed in a polymerization reactor.

Abstract: Improved rubbery compositions comprise vinyl chloride polymers, butadiene-acrylonitrile polymers and butadiene-styrene-tertiary amine polymers. Such compositions may be compounded and vulcanized and the vulcanizates may be used in hoses, rolls and gaskets.