Abstract: A photoperoxidation process including irradiating a donor molecule with light from a light source to form an activated donor molecule, contacting the activated donor molecule with an acceptor molecule to form an activated acceptor molecule, and contacting the activated acceptor molecule with a diene elastomer in a vessel to form a singlet oxygen functionalized elastomer molecule.

Abstract: A method of preparing a high impact polystyrene comprising contacting styrene monomer, a high cis polybutadiene elastomer, and an initiator under high shear within a reaction zone. A high-impact polystyrene comprising a high cis polybutadiene elastomer. A method of preparing a high impact polystyrene comprising contacting styrene monomer, a high cis polybutadiene elastomer, and an initiator under extreme reaction conditions within a reaction zone.

Abstract: A method for the in-situ preparation of an ionic comonomer, such as zinc dimethacrylate, dissolved in styrene monomer, for use in production of polystyrene is disclosed. The method generally includes adding comonomer chemical precursors to a solution of styrene and nonionic surfactant. The resulting ionic comonomer may be further dissolved in styrene and polymerized to form a product that may have improved properties.

Abstract: An insulation system of a building having a plurality of spaced-apart support members has an insulator with a plurality of ribs are formed thereon. A concave portion of each rib receives one of the support members. A panel covers, and is secured to the support members. An exterior covering element is secured to an exterior side of the panel. A radiant heat barrier is bonded between the insulator and the panel. The insulator defines air ventilation channels between the foam insulator and the panel for venting air from building. An insulator assembly for a building has a sheet of foam insulation with a plurality of channels intermittently formed in the sheet of insulation. Each channel has a concave side and a convex side. The concave side is adapted to receive a support member of the building. A radiant heat barrier is bonded to a surface of the foam insulation.

Abstract: A method of producing a polymer and layered compound composition having a high degree of exfoliation of the layered compound is disclosed. The layered compound is treated with chemicals having an affinity with the polymer or the monomer of the polymer. The monomer and the layered compound can be combined prior to polymerization. The polymer and layered compound can be combined by solution mixing in a solvent. The layered compound can also be incorporated into the mixture by compounding a polymer product with the layered compound.

Abstract: A method for the in-situ preparation of an ionic comonomer, such as zinc dimethacrylate, dissolved in styrene monomer, for use in production of polystyrene is disclosed. The method generally includes adding comonomer chemical precursors to a solution of styrene and nonionic surfactant. The resulting ionic comonomer may be further dissolved in styrene and polymerized to form a product that may have improved properties.

Abstract: A method comprising irradiating a donor molecule with light to form an activated donor molecule, contacting the activated donor molecule with an acceptor molecule to form an activated acceptor molecule, and contacting the activated acceptor molecule with a substrate to generate an oxidized substrate, wherein the donor molecule is in the solid phase and the activated acceptor molecule is in the gas phase.

Abstract: A method of improving the color of a high impact polystyrene comprising preparing a reaction mixture comprising styrene, elastomer and at least one antioxidant, and introducing to the reaction mixture a color improving additive prior to the addition of any oxidizing agents to the reaction mixture. A high impact polystyrene comprising a color improving additive, an elastomer and at least one antioxidant wherein the color improving additive is present in the reaction process for production of the high impact polystyrene prior to the introduction of an oxidizing agent and wherein the high impact polystyrene has a 50% to 200% reduction in the Yellowness index as determined in accordance with ASTM E 313 when compared to an otherwise identical polystyrene lacking a color improving additive.

Abstract: A method of preparing a high impact polystyrene comprising contacting styrene monomer, a high cis polybutadiene elastomer, and an initiator under high shear within a reaction zone. A high-impact polystyrene comprising a high cis polybutadiene elastomer. A method of preparing a high impact polystyrene comprising contacting styrene monomer, a high cis polybutadiene elastomer, and an initiator under extreme reaction conditions within a reaction zone.

Abstract: A styrene copolymer composition comprising at least one alkyl acrylate and/or at least one alkyl methacrylate wherein the styrene copolymer composition has a bimodal molecular weight distribution. A method of producing a styrene copolymer comprising reacting styrene and at least one alkyl acrylate and/or at least one alkyl methacrylate, wherein the alkyl acrylate comprises an alkyl group having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms and the alkyl methacrylate comprises an alkyl group having equal to or greater than 10 carbon atoms. A method of increasing the molecular weight distribution in a styrene copolymer comprising incorporating at least one alkyl acrylate and/or at least one alkyl methacrylate wherein the styrene copolymer has a polydispersity index equal to or greater than 3.

Abstract: An insulation system of a building having a plurality of spaced-apart support members has a insulator with a plurality of ribs are formed thereon. A concave portion of each rib receives one of the support members. A panel covers and is secured to the support members. An exterior covering element is secured to an exterior side of the panel. A radiant heat barrier is bonded between the insulator and the panel. The insulator defines air ventilation channels between the foam insulator and the panel for venting air from building. An insulator assembly for a building has a sheet of foam insulation with a plurality of channels intermittently formed in the sheet of insulation. Each channel has a concave side and a convex side. The concave side is adapted to receive a support member of the building. A radiant heat barrier is bonded to a surface of the foam insulation.

Abstract: Disclosed are high impact polystyrenes prepared using mixed initiators. The mixed initiators include at least one grafting initiator and one non-grafting initiator. The high impact polystyrenes prepared therewith have a continuous polystyrene phase and dispersed therein particles of rubber predominantly having a honeycomb structure of rubber with polystyrene inclusions.

Abstract: A decking assembly is mounted to a building roof or wall to thermally insulate the buildingt. The decking assembly has a first panel with an outside surface and a foil covered inside surface and a second panel having an outside surface and a foil covered inside surface. The foil covered inside surface of the second panel faces the foil covered inside surface of the first panel. At least one spacer is positioned between the panel so as to create an air space defined by the foil covered inside surfaces. The air space has an open inlet and outlet to create a continuous conduit for the flow of air from an entrance side to an exhaust side. The air space can be divided into two separate compartments by a barrier panel that has foil on opposite sides.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for manufacturing monovinylaromatic compounds containing an elastomer to provide increased toughness and strength. One particular embodiment of the invention discloses a process for manufacturing high impact polystyrene wherein styrene monomer containing a dissolved polybutadiene rubber is flowed into an elongated upflow stirred reactor containing three reaction zones, wherein the styrene and rubber are polymerized past the inversion point, then discharged to at least one additional reactor to continue their conversion to polymer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for manufacturing monovinylaromatic compounds containing an elastomer to provide increased toughness and strength. One particular embodiment of the invention discloses a process for manufacturing high impact polystyrene wherein styrene monomer containing a dissolved polybutadiene rubber is flowed into an elongated upflow stirred reactor containing three reaction zones, wherein the styrene and rubber are polymerized past the inversion point, then discharged to at least one additional reactor to continue their conversion to polymer.