Abstract: A process for measuring the friability of a material, such as a polymer bale, may include measuring the amount of force required to break-up a portion of the material. A corresponding testing apparatus for measuring the friability may include a device configured for breaking-up the portion of the material and measuring the force required to cause the break-up to occur.

Abstract: A process for production of an ethylene-propylene-diene-methylene (EPDM) tetrapolymer having long chain branching is described. The process comprises the step of polymerizing a monomer mixture comprising ethylene, propylene, a first diolefin monomer containing one polymerizable double bond (preferably ENB) and a second diolefin containing two polymerizable double bonds (preferably VNB) in the presence of a catalyst system. The catalyst system comprises: a catalyst comprising a compound containing vanadium +3 with the proviso that the compound does not comprise a halogen directly bound to the vanadium; a halogenated organoaluminum cocatalyst having a halogen to aluminum molar ratio in the range of from about 1 to about 2; and an activator. The branched polymer product of the present process exhibits a molecular weight distribution of less than about 3.5 and improved rheological properties and enhanced processability characteristics.

Abstract: A process for producing EP and EPDM polymers with a reduction in fouling is provided, which process comprises polyemrizing ethylene, an alpha-olefin and a nonconjugated diolefin (if utilized) in a polymerization medium comprising a hydrocarbon diluent at a temperature of from about -50.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst system comprising (a) a vanadium compound, (b) diethyl aluminum chloride, ethyl aluminum sesquichloride or ethyl aluminum dichloride and (c) an organo aluminum compound of the formula R.sub.3 Al wherein R is an alkyl group having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms and, optionally, triethyl aluminum, the molar ratio of chloride in diethyl aluminum chloride to the total aluminum content in (b) and (c) being from about 0.7:1 to about 0.95:1, the molar ratio of the chloride in ethyl aluminum sesquichloride to the total aluminum content in (b) and (c) being from about 0.7:1 to about 1.

Abstract: A process for removing substantial quantities of volatile liquid e.g. hydrocarbon from a mixture of polymer and such liquid is provided. This process includes the initial step of introducing the mixture, and a liquid which is immiscible with the polymer, into a mixing/kneading zone provided with heated heat transfer surfaces having a temperature higher than the boiling point of the lowest boiling liquid component in the mixing/kneading zone. The mixture and the immiscible liquid are subjected to a period of continuous mixing and kneading within the mixing/kneading zone, to bring the mixture into continuously moving contact with the heat transfer surfaces. During this period of continuous mixing/kneading, the heated heat transfer surfaces are repeatedly mechanically cleaned to prevent buildup of solid polymer thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to remove residue from partially hydrogenated nitrile rubber. The process is undertaken by mixing and kneading the rubber in the presence of an extractant fluid. The extractant fluid is a solvent for the residue but is not a solvent for the rubber. At the conclusion of the process, the rubber is separated from the residue-containing extractant fluid.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of low molecular weight isobutylene polymer by reacting at a temperature of from about 150.degree. to about 250.degree. C. an isobutylene-conjugated diolefin polymer with an oxygen-containing gas in an extruder.