Abstract: The copolymerization of ethylene (E) and methoxy polyethylene glycol methacrylate (MPEGMA) produces the copolymer co-E-MPEGMA. These copolymers are distinct from polyethylene, e.g., low density polyethylene (LDPE) grafted with MPEGMA, i.e., g-E-MPEGMA, and are useful in the preparation of insulation sheaths for medium, high and extra-high voltage cables. Such cables exhibit good water tree retardance.

Abstract: The copolymerization of ethylene (E) and methoxy polyethylene glycol methacrylate (MPEGMA) produces the copolymer co-E-MPEGMA. These copolymers are distinct from polyethylene, e.g., low density polyethylene (LDPE) grafted with MPEGMA, i.e., g-E-MPEGMA, and are useful in the preparation of insulation sheaths for medium, high and extra-high voltage cables. Such cables exhibit good water tree retardance.

Abstract: Plasticizers comprising an acetylated polyol hydroxystearate and plasticized polymeric compositions comprising such plasticizers. Such plasticized polymeric compositions can be employed in forming various articles of manufacture, such as coated conductors.

Abstract: Polyolefin compositions that expand freely to form stable foams are disclosed. The compositions include at least one heat-activated expanding agent and typically include at least one heat-expanded crosslinker. The compositions are effective as sealers and noise/vibration insulation in automotive applications.

Abstract: The present invention is a free-radical carbon-FRTS-carbon crosslinkable polymeric composition. The resulting carbon-FRTS-carbon crosslinked polymer is prepared from at least one polymer which upon forming free radicals preferentially degrades or carbon-carbon crosslinks. The present invention permits suppression of the preferential reaction while permitting the polymer to be carbon-FRTS-carbon crosslinked through a free-radical trapping species. Suppressing the undesirable degradation or carbon-carbon crosslinking reaction and permitting the desirable carbon-FRTS-carbon crosslinking reaction yield a uniquely crosslinked polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved free-radical crosslinking process and free-radical crosslinking polymer compositions. The improved process delivers hotter processing conditions, faster crosslinking, or increased crosslinked densities. The crosslinkable polymeric composition comprises (1) a free-radical crosslinkable polymer, (2) a free-radical inducing species, and (3) a crosslinking-temperature-profile modifier.

Abstract: The present invention yields a coagent-mediated, grafted copolymer prepared from a free radical-mediated reaction of a mixture containing or made from (a) a first free-radical reactive organic polymer, (b) a second free-radical reactive organic polymer, and (c) a coagent selected from the group consisting of allyl, vinyl, and acrylate coagents, wherein the first and second organic polymers are chemically dissimilar polymers as determined by at least one physical property yet the organic polymers have similar reactivity in radical-mediated additions to the coagent.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved polymeric composition comprising a free-radical reactive polymer, an organic peroxide, and a graftable stable organic free radical. The present invention permits suppression of an undesirable degradation or carbon-carbon crosslinking reaction while permitting the polymer to undergo the desirable grafting reaction.

Abstract: The present invention is a rheology-modifiable polymeric composition or a free-radical crosslinkable polymeric composition, wherein the resulting rheologymodifying bond or crosslinking bond is a thermally-reversible bond. The resulting polymer is prepared from at least one polymer which upon forming free radicals preferentially degrades or carbon-carbon crosslinks. The present invention permits suppression of the preferential reaction while permitting the polymer to be coupled or crosslinked through a thermally-reversible bond. Suppressing the undesirable degradation or carbon-carbon crosslinking reaction and permitting the desirable reaction yield a rheology-modified polymer or a free-radical thermally-reversibly crosslinked polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is a rheology-modifiable polymeric composition. The resulting rheology-modified polymer is prepared from at least one polymer which upon forming free radicals preferentially degrades or carbon-carbon crosslinks. The present invention permits suppression of the preferential reaction while permitting the polymer to be coupled through a free-radical trapping species. Suppressing the undesirable degradation or carbon-carbon crosslinking reaction and permitting the desirable coupling reaction yield a rheology-modified polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is a polymeric composition comprising a polymer, a cathodic corrosion inhibitor, and an acidic corrosive reagent. The polymeric composition may further comprise a blowing agent and/or a second corrosion inhibitor. The present invention specifically also includes moisture-crosslinkable polymeric compositions. The moisture-crosslinkable compositions can be used as a coating and applied over a wire or a cable.

Abstract: The present invention is a stable organic free radical polymer system. The system is useful as a composition, provides processing advantages over existing grafting technologies, and imparts unique properties to articles of manufacture made therefrom.

Abstract: The invention includes a process comprising (a) forming a polymeric admixture including at least one polyolefin which has been prepared using a single site catalyst and at least a crosslinking amount of at least one poly(sulfonyl azide) crosslinking agent; (b) shaping the resulting admixture; and (c) heating the resulting shaped admixture to a temperature at least the decomposition temperature of the crosslinking agent. The steps take place in any sequence and optionally include substeps. The single site catalyst is preferably a constrained geometry or metallocene catalyst, but optionally another transition metal catalyst which is not a traditional Ziegler Natta Ti/MgCl2 catalyst such as a vanadium catalyst.

Abstract: An open-cell polystyrene foam is provided which is formed from a blend of polystyrene and an ethylene-styrene interpolymer. The ethylene-styrene interpolymer functions as a cell opening agent, and is used to control the open cell content of the resulting foam, which may contain greater than 80 percent open cells. The foam is produced by an extrusion process in which carbon dioxide is used as the preferred blowing agent. The resulting foams may be formed into beads, plank, round, sheets, etc.

Abstract: An open-cell polystyrene foam is provided which is formed from a blend of polystyrene and an ethylene-styrene interpolymer. The ethylene-styrene interpolymer functions as a cell opening agent, and is used to control the open cell content of the resulting foam, which may contain greater than 80 percent open cells. The foam is produced by an extrusion process in which carbon dioxide is used as the preferred blowing agent. The resulting foams may be formed into beads, plank, round, sheets, etc.