Abstract: A method of making polyolefin with a target melt flow index and melt flow rate is disclosed. The method polymerizes one or more olefinic monomers in a single reactor containing a bicomponent catalyst system. The catalyst system includes a first catalyst component and a second catalyst component each characterized by a catalyst productivity and a chain-transfer-agent response. The single reactor has a chain-transfer-agent concentration and a temperature. The productivity of the second catalyst component is substantially different temperature dependent than that of the first catalyst component. The chain-transfer-agent response of the second catalyst component is substantially different sensitive than that of the first catalyst component. The temperature of the reactor is adjusted so that the melt flow ratio approaches the target value. The chain transfer agent concentration in the reactor is adjusted so that the melt index approaches the target value.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polymer composition that includes initiating a polymerization reaction at an initial set of polymerization parameters, determining an instantaneous split of the at least one property of an intermediate polymer composition, and adjusting the initial set of polymerization parameters based on the instantaneous split of the at least one property to obtain a desired distribution of the at least one property in the polymer composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical devices having lubricious coatings which are capable of producing magnetic resonance image in the presence of a suitable magnetic field. The medical devices are easy to manipulate in body channels because of reduced friction with tissue surfaces and can be readily visualized in real time, which greatly facilitates the tracking of the medical devices while present within the bodies of humans or animals. The level of magnetic susceptible agent in the coatings of medical devices can be easily controlled by the present invention to give the desired performance. Coating processes to produce these medical devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spray drying process for preparing a solid catalyst and composition for use therein comprising a catalyst compound, an activator for the catalyst compound, and at least one compound selected from among siloxanes, polyalkylene glycols, C1-4 alkyl or phenyl ether or diether derivatives of polyalkylene glycols, and crown ethers, and optionally a filler or support.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (i) polyethylene, and, based on 100 parts by weight of component (i), (ii) about 0.3 to about 0.6 part by weight of 4,4?-thiobis(2-methyl-6-t-butylphenol); 4,4?-thiobis(2-t-butyl-5-methylphenol); 2,2?-thiobis(6-t-butyl-4-methylphenol); or a mixture of said compounds, and (iii) about 0.4 to about 1 part by weight of a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight in the range of about 1000 to about 100,000.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cable for electrical conductors which has insulation layer which includes a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine and a strippable insulation shield layer which includes a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene.

Abstract: A method for controlling resin properties during the production of polyolefins is provided. The method utilizes coordinated manipulation of reaction temperature in combination with a secondary process variable to control resin flow properties to rapidly respond to manufacturing upsets or specification changes to minimize off-grade or transition polymer material when moving from one polymer grade to another, or during a disturbance in a steady state production.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the manufacture of lactones, e.g., caprolactone, from hydoxy acids, e.g., 6-hydroxycaproic acid. The reaction is conducted over a suitable catalyst in the presence of water.

Abstract: Polymer composites comprising a water-insoluble polymer and a water-sensitive polymer are disclosed. The water-sensitive polymer is a copolymer polymerized from one or more alkylene oxide monomers and one or more epoxy-functional monomers. The polymer composites can be used in the manufacture of articles having enhanced lubricious-when-wet properties, e.g., wet-shaving devices, and medical devices, e.g., catheters. The articles can provide enhanced retention of lubricity after repeated uses.

Abstract: A method of making a solid procatalyst composition for use in a Ziegler-Natta olefin polymerization catalyst composition, said method comprising: contacting a solid precursor composition comprising magnesium, titanium, and alkoxide moieties with a titanium halide compound and an internal electron donor in any order, in a suitable reaction medium to prepare a solid procatalyst composition, separating the solid procatalyst from the reaction medium, further exchanging residual alkoxide functionality of the solid procatalyst composition for chloride functionality by contacting the same two or more times with benzoyl chloride halogenating agent under metathesis conditions for a period of time sufficient to prepare a solid procatalyst composition having a decreased alkoxide content compared to the alkoxide content of the solid procatalyst composition before said exchange, and recovering the solid procatalyst composition.

Abstract: Electrically conductive, thermoset molding compositions are disclosed which comprise an unsaturated thermosetting resin, an olefinically unsaturated monomer which is copolymerizable with the thermosetting resin, a thermoplastic additive and carbon black. The carbon black is incorporated in a conductive additive which comprises the thermoplastic additive, the carbon black and, preferably, a lubricant. The electrical resistance of articles molded from the disclosed molding compositions is typically less than about 108 ohms/cm2.

Abstract: The partially condensed fluid recycle stream of a fluidized bed polyolefin reactor operating in the condensing mode is split into two portions by a stream splitter. In a preferred mode, the smaller stream from the splitter contains a higher ratio of liquid to gas than the larger stream. One portion of the split stream is injected below the fluidized bed and the other, preferably with enhanced liquid content, is injected into the fluidized bed at a level above the product withdrawal level. Regulation of liquid injection above the product withdrawal level, as a function of liquid in the product discharge tanks, reduces the liquid in the product discharge system, resulting in improved discharge cycle times and more efficient conservation of monomer and other materials which might otherwise be lost in the discharge process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing at least one of alkylene oxides and alkylene glycols from lower alkanes and/or lower alkenes. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a lower alkane/alkene supply; an oxygen supply for providing a source of oxygen; and a metal oxide catalytic reactor. The metal oxide catalytic reactor includes a reactor chamber; and a catalyst in the chamber for reacting the lower alkane/alkene supply with the source of oxygen to convert the lower alkane/alkene by selective partial oxidation to at least one of the alkylene oxides and alkylene glycols. Also, in the preferred embodiment, a separator, downstream from the reactor, separates the alkylene oxides and alkylene glycols from the total product stream and the unconverted reactants.

Abstract: A process for making a solid composition comprising alkoxide groups, chloride groups, one or more metals, M, in the +2 oxidation state selected from Mg, Ca, Mn, Cu, Co or Zn, and one or more metals, T, in the +3, +4 or +5 oxidation state selected from Ti, Zr, V, Sm, Fe, Ni, Rh, Co, Cr, Mo, W or Hf, the molar ratio M/T of the composition being from 2.5 to 3.75, said process comprising contacting one or more alkoxide containing compounds of metal M, one or more alkoxide compounds of metal T, and a halide compound, the molar ratio M/T of the contacting compounds being from 2.5 to 3.5, and recovering the resulting solid.

Abstract: Novel active catalyst compositions comprising a compound or mixture of compounds represented by the formula SbFXmY4−m a complex of such a compound or mixture of such compounds being represented by the formula R.SbFXmY4−m or a combination of such compounds and complexes where in each formula, X is an anionic moiety, Y is an anion or anions resulting from the deprotonation of an active hydrogen-containing compound(s), m is 0 to 3 and R is one or more active hydrogen containing compound acting as molecules of solvation. The catalyst compositions are useful to promote alkoxylation reactions.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprises a low-molecular-weight (LMW) ethylene polymer component and a high-molecular-weight (HMW) ethylene polymer component. Preferably, the LMW polyethylene component and the HMW polyethylene component co-crystallize in the composition such that it exhibits a single or substantially single peak in a lamella thickness distribution (“LTD”) curve. The ethylene polymer for the LMW and the HMW polyethylene components can be either homopolyethylene or ethylene copolymer. Preferably, both components are an ethylene copolymer of the same or different composition (i.e., with the same or different comonomers). A method of making a pipe that includes selecting a polymer composition having a substantially single peak in the LTD curve is described.

Abstract: A high voltage direct current cable insulation is made from a blend which includes an ethylene copolymer, such as ethylene-alpha olefin copolymer, with low crystallinity to reduce physical space charge trapping sites, a polar polymer modifier in an effective amount to enhance local conductivity to leak space charge quickly when local stress is enhanced, and an ion scavenger to stabilize or neutralize the space charge to provide a composition which is an effective high voltage DC cable insulation.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (a) polyethylene; (b) as a scorch inhibitor, [1,3,5-tris(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-trione]; (c) a thioester; (d) a hindered amine stabilizer; and (e) an organic peroxide.

Abstract: A process for producing polymer in a gas phase reactor by introducing a stream of monomer and gas into a polymerization zone while providing at least one liquid component in the polymerization zone.

Abstract: Preactivated unsupported catalyst compositions methods of using them are disclosed whereby the compositions have a concentration of preactivated catalyst of at least about 0.04 mmol of preactivated catalyst per liter of solution when using aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon solvents, and a concentration of less than about 0.80 mmol/liter when using aromatic or halogen-substituted solvents. In the method, an unsupported catalyst precursor first is contacted with an activator, or co-catalyst, in a suitable reaction medium, and then the resulting mixture is contacted with additional solvent to form a preactivated unsupported olefin polymerization catalyst composition that can be fed to a gas phase polymerization reactor without plugging the catalyst injection nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for continuously forming and depositing a layer of monomolecular amphiphilic molecules on a substrate. The present invention includes an apparatus and method for transferring and compressing an uncompressed molecular layer from one liquid surface region in a tank to another adjacent liquid surface region by using non-moving or static mechanical components which do not come into direct contact with the monomolecular layer. The present invention includes a method and apparatus which permit the continuous and simultaneous draining and replenishing of the liquid in the tank while maintaining the liquid surface level constant. The continuous replacement of the liquid in the tank with clean liquid reduces the level of contamination of the liquid in the tank. In addition, the level, as well as the type of contamination of the liquid, does not vary significantly with time.