Abstract: This invention relates to a core/shell impact modifier having as a core a copolymer or terpolymer having from 25 to 75 percent by weight of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA) monomer units with from 25 and 75 percent by weight of n-octyl acrylate (n-OA) monomer units. This core-shell impact modifier is used in performance polymers to improve low temperature impact performance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a core/shell impact modifier having as a core a copolymer or terpolymer having from 25 to 75 percent by weight of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA) monomer units with from 25 and 75 percent by weight of n-octyl acrylate (n-OA) monomer units. This core-shell impact modifier is used in performance polymers to improve low temperature impact performance.

Abstract: The invention concerns thermoplastic polyesters (such as PET or PBT) comprising, by weight, the total being 100%: 60 to 99% of thermoplastic polyester; 1 to 40% of impact modifier comprising: (a) a core-shell copolymer (A), (b) an ethylene copolymer (B) selected among ethylene copolymers (B1) and an unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride, ethylene copolymers (B2) and an unsaturated epoxy compound and mixtures thereof, (c) a copolymer (C) selected among ethylene copolymers (C1) and an alkyl (meth)acrylate, ethylene copolymers (C2) and (meth)acrylic acid optionally neutralised and mixtures thereof. The invention also concerns an impact modifying composition which can be added in thermoplastic polyesters to improve their shock-proof properties and comprising constituents (A), (B) and (C).

Abstract: An improved impact modifier for polymers, such as PBT and blends thereof; is disclosed. The impact modifier is a blend of (A) a core/shell additive having a core based on alkyl acrylate, on a polyorganosiloxane rubber or a blend thereof and a shell based on poly(alkyl methacrylate), or on a styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer grafted onto the core; and (B) a linear copolymer which contains from 50 to 85 parts of units derived from ethylene, from 5 to 40 parts of units derived from (meth)acrylic esters, and from 2 to 10 parts of a copolymerizable monomer containing an epoxy group. The impact strength provided by the impact modifier blend is unexpectedly higher than the impact strength provided by each individual component of the blend.

Abstract: The process for the controlled radical (co)polymerization of (meth)acrylic and/or vinyl monomers is characterized in that the bulk, solution, emulsion or suspension polymerization or copolymerization is carried out, at a temperature at which can fall to 0.degree. C., of at least one of the said monomers in the presence of an initiating system comprising a radical-generating compound and at least one catalyst composed of a metal complex containing a ligand of the type?4-R.sup.3 -2,6-(CH.sub.2 NR.sup.1 R.sup.2).sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.2 !--(I)in which: R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, which are identical or different, represent a branched or unbranched C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group or a phenyl group or alternatively R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 form, with the nitrogen atom to which they are connected, a cyclic amine or alternatively the two R.sup.2 groups, taken together, form a polymethylene bridge and R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or benzyl group or an electron-donating or electron-withdrawing functional group.